Gerard "Jerry" Green

Gerard "Jerry" Green

Earlham

Gerard "Jerry" Green, age 66, peacefully passed away at his home in Earlham, Iowa, surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2023.

Born on Sept. 29, 1957, on the island of Oahu, Jerry's early years were shaped in Kailua, where he fostered his passion for surfing and a deep appreciation for his Hawaiian heritage.

At the age of 19, Jerry embarked on a dedicated military career, joining the Army in 1976. His service spanned diverse assignments, including the 82nd Airborne Division, the 25th Infantry in Hawaii, the Berlin Brigade (where he witnessed the fall of the Berlin Wall), a stint in D.C., and active involvement in the Croatian–Bosnia Conflict. Jerry concluded his 22-year military journey with the Special Forces group.

In 1999, he transitioned to a second career with State Farm, initially as a financial consultant in Maryland and later as a State Farm agent in Cedar Rapids. Jerry found fulfillment in making a positive impact on people's lives through his work. Passionate about honoring veterans, he served as the area coordinator for the Quilts of Valor organization in Cedar Rapids for many years.

Outside of his professional commitments, Jerry cherished moments spent with his family. His infectious positivity and warm smile left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered. Jerry is survived by his wife, Debra; two sons, Chad Dannewitz (Whitney Sanders) and Cole Dannewitz (Shay Formanek); one daughter, Lehua Knight (Justin); two granddaughters, Hannah and Addie Dannewitz; sister and brother-in-law, Connie and Dan Curtis; sister-in-law Diane Green; nieces and nephews, Christina Green, Christine Copeland (Mark), Josh Curtis (Audra), Joe Curtis (Kristina), Alex Curtis, along with numerous great-nieces and -nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marie and Roy, and brother Tom.

A celebration of Jerry's life will be held at the King of Kings Church in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on Saturday, Dec. 30, at 11 a.m. Prior to the service, a visitation will take place at 9:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to the Gift of Life Transplant House (705 2nd Street SW, Rochester, MN 55902) or Freedom Stitchers and Quilts of Valor (QOVF P.O. Box 91, Winterset, IA 50273), with a designation for Freedom Stitchers of Iowa #19860 or the General Fund.

The interment of ashes will occur at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery in Van Meter, Iowa. The specific date is yet to be determined.