Jerry Price

Jerry Price, 77, a resident of Eldridge, Iowa died peacefully Friday, July 13, 2012 at his son’s home in Solon following a long and courageous bout with cancer. Visitation will take place at the Chambers Funeral Home, 130 N. Second St., Eldridge, IA on Saturday, July 21 from 4 to 7 pm. A celebration of life will occur immediately following the visitation at Lancers Grille/Happy Joe’s in Eldridge for family and friends. Inurnment and military services will take place at the Rock Island National Cemetery on Monday, July 23.

Jerry was born on July 9, 1935 in Ashland, Illinois, a son to Joe and Ellen Price. Jerry graduated from Ashland High School in 1953 and attended Illinois State University in Normal, Illinois. Jerry married Paula M. Newberry in Virginia, Illinois on October 13, 1957 and shortly thereafter was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army. After successfully serving in the military, Jerry moved to Manhattan, Illinois and ran the local lumber company for several years before beginning his career at the U.S. Army Arsenal in Joliet, Illinois. Jerry and his family relocated to Eldridge in 1973 as his job was transferred to the Rock Island Arsenal. Jerry retired from the Arsenal in 1993 as Supervisor-Inventory Management Specialist.

During retirement, Jerry spent considerable time with family and friends. He was always a helpful hand for his sons and their families, enjoyed attending the activities of his grandchildren and could usually make himself available for a round of golf. Jerry and Paula enjoyed travel,  especially all those years escaping Iowa winters as Florida Snowbirds and the many friends they made there. Jerry enjoyed entertaining, family gatherings, gardening and canning, cooking, fishing, golfing, playing cards, tailgating,  attending sporting events and the random trip to the casino. He was an avid follower of Iowa Hawkeye football and basketball and a lifetime fan of the St. Louis Cardinals baseball team. Jerry was a devout family man and made friends easily. He will be sorely missed, but never forgotten.

Survivors include his wife, Paula, sons Steve (Gwen) of Marion, Jerry (Rhonda) of Solon and Kenny (Edie) of Urbandale; his grandchildren Ashley, Heather, Jeff, Jessica, Jason, Matthew, Stephanie, Michael, Maxwell, Hadley and Jackson; his sisters Joan Whited and Mary (James) Launer; and brother William (Natalie) Price.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Ellen, his brother, Thomas (Betty) Price and sister, Betty Jones.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff of Iowa City Hospice for the outstanding care and compassion given during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Iowa City Hospice; 1025 Wade Street, Iowa City, Iowa 52240.