O'Neill, Gerald J. (Jerry)

Gerald J. (Jerry) O'Neill, 73, formerly of Cedar Rapids, passed away Thursday, March 24, 2011, at the VA Health Care System in Dallas, Texas, after a brief and unexpected illness. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. April 9 at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 1340 Third Ave. SE, Cedar Rapids, with the Rev. Harlan Gillespie officiating. Internment is pending.

Jerry was born in Waukon, Iowa, on Sept. 15, 1937, to John G. and Marguerite L. (Kilpatrick) O'Neill. They moved their family to Cedar Rapids in 1951. Jerry served in the United States Air Force for six years, returning to Cedar Rapids where he worked in the family business building houses and later as a union carpenter and foreman in the Cedar Rapids area. After moving to Texas, Jerry worked as a superintendent on many large construction projects in the Dallas, Fort Worth area for over 20 years, until he retired.

Over the last 30 years, Jerry was a dedicated sponsor and friend to many members of AA in the Dallas Fort Worth area. He was an avid golfer throughout his life and played 18 holes of golf nearly every day after his retirement, right up until the day before he became ill.

He will be remembered for his keen sense of wit and for his undeniable work ethic. He was a beloved son, brother, husband, father and grandfather. He was loved and will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him.

Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth of Dallas; two daughters, Jean Finley of Iowa City and Patty (Jerry) Cramblet of Cedar Rapids; three grandchildren, Brian Finley of Iowa City, Connor McCallum of Iowa City and Bailey McCallum of Cedar Rapids; three brothers, Ron (Jane) O'Neill of Cedar Rapids, Vince O'Neill and Al O'Neill; a sister, Betty (John) Olinger of Cedar Rapids; and many endeared nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, John W. O'Neill; and a sister, Monica R. O'Rand.

A memorial fund has been established.