Newport, Gerald R. 'Jerry'

Gerald R. “Jerry” Newport, 82, of Cedar Rapids, died at Manor Care on Wednesday, March 10, 2010. Services: 1 p.m. Monday at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, by the Rev. Daniel Clark-Bridges of Hope Lutheran Church. Interment: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. A visitation will be held at Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel on Sunday from 2 to 6 p.m. and after 12:30 p.m. Monday at the Chapel of Memories.

Survivors include his wife, Jeanne; children, Diane Janda of Marion, Larry (Mary) Newport of Kansas City, Mo., and Tom (Stephanie) Newport of Cedar Rapids; brother, Leonard “Karl” (Dolores) Newport of Cedar Rapids; six grandchildren, Jade Barta, Mindy Sorg, Thad Newport, Acacia Leatherman, Shelby Newport and Grant Newport; and three great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; and brother, Dale.

Jerry was born Oct. 6, 1927, in Cedar Rapids, and married Jeanne LaVonne Swecker there on April 16, 1950. Jerry grew up in the family vegetable and flower business and operated Newport's Flowers with his wife, Jeanne, and brothers, Karl and Dale. He retired in 1997. He was a charter member of Hope Lutheran Church, a member of the Cedar Rapids Boat Club, the Power Squadron, Scottish Rite of Masonry, Antique Club, Grotto, and the Shriners. He enjoyed photography, collecting model trains and spent most of his life restoring old cars with his father and sons. 

Jerry was a great friend to his community, and a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather.

Memorials may be directed to the family.

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