Gerald Brumley

GERALD "JERRY" BRUMLEY

Iowa City

Gerald "Jerry" Brumley, 68, of Iowa City, died at his home Thursday, Aug. 31, 2017, following a lengthy illness, with his wife and fur baby by his side.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Sept. 5, at Gay and Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service. Burial will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery, where military honors will be bestowed. (Casual attire is encouraged.) Visitation will be Monday from 4 to 7 p.m. at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his memory.

To share a thought, memory or condolence, please go to the funeral home website at www.gayandciha.com.

Gerald Allen Brumley was born April 9, 1949, in Iowa City, the son of John E. and Gladys P. (Rasmussen) Brumley. Growing up in Iowa City, he attended Iowa City schools, graduating from City High School with the Class of 1967. Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served a tour of duty during the Vietnam War. Returning to Iowa City, he worked at his dream job as a mechanic for a number of garages in town, Bob Bell's Standard, Ron Shank and Joe Garringer. He then worked for the University of Iowa Fleet Services, retiring in 2014 after 25 years of service. During his time at Fleet Services, he enjoyed driving the Hawkeye buses for many athletic teams. Jerry loved cars and knew them like few do.

Jerry was united in marriage to Linda Kathleen Rhodes on Aug. 1, 1987, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Iowa City. Linda not only was Jerry's wife, but his best friend, supporting so much that they enjoyed doing together. His passion for stock car racing, RC cars, motorcycles, the outdoors, camping, hunting and fishing was just who he was. He was the one who could make something out of nothing; if you needed anything, he was there. There was never a stranger in Jerry's life, he got to know everyone around him and your life was better because of this. He lived, he loved, and he always will be remembered for his huge heart and his many stories.

His family includes his wife, Linda; brother, John, and Ramona Brumley of Riverside; sister, Florence Haney of Cedar Rapids; sisters and brothers–in law, Diane Meyer (Bruce), Cindy Neuzil (Mike), Bev Wenman (Ron), Susan Elder, Bob Rhodes (Melissa) and Randy Rhodes (Karen); numerous nieces and nephews; and his little fur baby, Heidi, who was forever at his side.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister; his in-laws; and two nephews, Scott Brumley and Chris Bok, with whom he now probably is having a beer in heaven, planning their next project.