Jerry Strait

GERALD "JERRY" EDWARD STRAIT

Cedar Rapids

Jerry Strait, 81, died peacefully early Monday morning, Feb. 20, 2017, following a short fight with lung cancer, after spending Sunday surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Visitation: 4 to 7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 22, at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Services: 1 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 23, at Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories, officiated by Pastor John Albertson, with interment following at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Jerry was born June 7, 1935, in Iowa City to Leland and Marjorie Lint Strait and was the second youngest son of 11 children. He married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Mae McNabb, on June 10, 1956, at Central Park Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids. He was preceded in death by his parents, all seven brothers, two older sisters, many of their spouses, and several nieces and nephews.

He is survived by his wife of more than 61 years, Barbara; and his two daughters and their partners, Kelly Strait and Lesley Fleer of Robins and Penny Strait Driscoll and Ted Ealy of Cedar Rapids. Papa adored his three oldest grandchildren, Jessica "Pumpkin" Driscoll McVicker (Adam), Erica "Mouse" Driscoll Pecinovsky (Joseph) and Aryn "Peanut" Driscoll (Jaime). Over the past few weeks as his health declined, it was his youngest granddaughter, Marcelle Strait, and his great-grandsons, Patrick Slaymaker and Nolan Pecinovksy, and great-granddaughter, Rylie Kuhn, who made his face light up when they entered his room.

Jerry worked for many years at Penick & Ford, and then in the maintenance department of St. Luke's Hospital until his retirement. He and Barb loved to travel and camp in their motorhome, and belonged to several camping groups throughout the years. They loved adventure, but they were just as happy and content being together doing everyday things. Jerry will be dearly missed by all those who loved him.

A memorial is established in Jerry's name. Online condolences may be conveyed at www.cedarmemorial.com.