Healy, Jerome Joseph 'Jerry'

Jerome Joseph “Jerry” Healy, 75, of Elkader, died Thursday, Feb. 24, 2011, at his home following a brief illness. Mass of Christian Burial will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Feb. 28, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Elkader. The Rev. Greg Bahl and the Rev. Thomas Rhomberg will be the celebrants. Private inurnment will take place at a later date. Visitation will be Sunday, Feb. 27, from 2 to 5 p.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Elkader, and one hour before Mass at the church on Monday.

Jerry was born March 3, 1935, in Chicago, Ill., to Timothy Francis and Ethel Josephine (Coover) Healy. He attended Catholic schools in Chicago and graduated from Antioch High School, Antioch, Ill., with the class of 1954. Jerry was united in marriage to Audrey Jule Romie at St. Peter Catholic Church in Antioch on Nov. 23, 1957. Five children were born to this union. Jerry served in the United States Army from 1958-1960, singing in the United States Army Chorus throughout Europe.

Jerry and Audrey raised their five children in Antioch, Ill., where he worked for Illinois Bell Telephone Co. until 1972, when Jerry transferred to Northwestern Bell Telephone Co. in Elkader, Iowa. Jerry worked as an employee and supervisor until his retirement. Along with Jerry's career transfer, he and Audrey moved their five children from city life to country life in rural Iowa.

Jerry was a faithful member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, Elkader. Jerry proudly sang in the church choir and generously donated his time, energy, and expert woodcraft artistry to his parish home.

Along with his dedication to his faith, Jerry worked tirelessly for his family and shared with them his love of music, golf, nature, woodworking and family vacations, especially fishing with his grandchildren.

His legendary furniture adorns the homes of all of his children, grandchildren and many friends. His lessons of love and compassion were his most enduring quality.

Jerry walked the talk when it came to his devotion of loving and accepting all of humanity and standing strong for peace and justice.

Jerry was a member of the Keystone Chorus, spending many hours of doing what he loved most, singing and entertaining.

Survivors include his wife, Audrey, Elkader; five children, Julie (Christopher) Grau, Elkader, Thomas (Nancy) Healy, Elkader, Jerome (Jody) Healy, Ely, Joseph (Sara) Healy, Ely, and Carole (Brian) Palas, Ely; 16 grandchildren, Joshua (Annette) Grau, Monona, Kathryn (Jerad) Lally, Des Moines, Peter Grau (David Wilkinson), Iowa City, Patrick, Edosa and Meheret Grau, Elkader, Andrew, Danielle and Elizabeth Healy, Elkader, Bethany Healy, Los Angeles, Calif., Timothy (Liz) Healy, Ely, Hannah, Grace and Benjamin Healy, Ely, Annie (Joseph) Stull, Ely, and Airman 1st Class James Palas, Honolulu; nine great-grandchildren, Rose, Joseph, Clare, Julia and Emma Grau, Blayne and Trace Healy and Ethan and Audrey Stull; one brother, Eugene (Lucinda) Healy, Monona; two brothers-in-law, Theodore Brendel, Florida, and John Romie, Elkader; two sisters-in-law, Anne Healy, Illinois, and Mary Lou Romie, Florida; his mother-in-law, Grace McBride, Monona; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Timothy and Ethel Healy; one brother, John T. “Jack” Healy; two sisters, Ethel Brendel and Mary Therese Healy; and one sister-in-law, Frances Healy.

Condolences may be left with:

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Elgin is in charge of arrangements.