Jerry Voelkers

Jerry L. Voelkers, 72, of Bettendorf, Iowa, died Friday, August 7, 2015 at Genesis Medical Center, East Campus in Davenport, Iowa.

A memorial service to celebrate his life will be held at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, August 13, 2015 at McGinnis Chambers Funeral Home in Bettendorf. Visitation will be from 12:30 p.m. until the time of the service on Thursday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association.

Jerry was born June 18, 1943 in Davenport, the son of Leonard and Beatrice (Davis) Voelkers. He was united in marriage to Jerene Lee Stevens on January 18, 1964 in Davenport. She preceded him in death on December 14, 2011.

Jerry had worked for many years as a welder at the former J.I. Case Company in Bettendorf and in Burlington, Iowa, retiring in 2001.  He had recently driven a school bus for Hoover School and for Riverbend Transit.

Jerry enjoyed fishing from his boat, playing cards and the occasional round of golf.  In earlier years, he had enjoyed camping and bowling.  A devout fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, he especially enjoyed the time spent with his family.

Those left to honor his memory include his sons, Jerry and Bonnie Voelkers of Bettendorf, Terry and Cathy Voelkers of Bettendorf and David and Katrina Voelkers of East Moline, Illinois; his grandchildren Kyle, Breanna, Brandon, Bradley and Alivia; his sisters, Linda Voelkers of Davenport, Jackie Bower of Bettendorf and Penny (Mike) Tuttle of Durant, Iowa; and special friends, Gina and Ed Groenbeck of Davenport.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; his brother Richard; and his sister Bonita.