Jeruld Weiland

JERULD WEILAND

Cedar Rapids

Jeruld Thomas "Jerry" Weiland, 83, a resident of the Meth-Wick Community, died there on Tuesday, Oct. 28, 2014. Funeral Mass: 10 a.m. Friday at St. Matthew Catholic Church. Private family inurnment at Mount Calvary Cemetery. Friends may call at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday.

Survivors include Jerry's wife of 60 years, Betty; eight children, Anne (Wayne) Sharp, Mary (John) Bredl, Walter (Laura), Joe (Karen), Tom (Gina), John (Cindy) Weiland, Liz (Jim) Efting and Nancy (Jeff) Erickson; 21 grandchildren, Allison Herndon, Michael Sharp, Elizabeth Kirkland, Nicholas, Anna and Benjamin Bredl, Sarah and Matthew Weiland, Haley, Lizzie and Gretchen Weiland, Anna and Katie Weiland, Cindy and Ethan Weiland, Maria, Annie, Luke and John Efting and Jerry and Henry Erickson; and five great-grandchildren, Lucy, Gus, Sam and Annie Herndon and Evelyn Sharp.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Peter and Agnes Weiland; brother, Peter; and grandson, William Jeruld Efting.

Jerry was born on Aug. 12, 1931, in Ottumwa, Iowa. He and Elizabeth Sweet were married on Aug. 7, 1954, in Mason City, Iowa. He graduated from the University of Iowa Dental School in 1955. He served his country honorably in the United States Army and was discharged as captain in 1959. He and his wife subsequently moved to Cedar Rapids where he established his dental practice of 40 years and they raised their eight children. He was a longtime member of St. Matthew's Parish and a lector for 48 years. Jerry was an avid runner, biker, swimmer and gardener. He loved making things grow which was evidenced by the beautiful flowers and delicious vegetables he tended. More importantly, he grew love in his family. His wife and children benefited from his effort to foster feelings of unconditional love, lavish praise, unending encouragement, quick forgiveness and constant support. Some of the family's sweetest memories took place around the large dining room table where Dad always said he enjoyed the best meals of his life. He knew a lot of jokes but seldom recalled the punch line, but we all laughed anyway. Jerry enjoyed his profession of dentistry and leaves a legacy of smiles.

Jerry loved his wife very much. Even to the end of his life, he was concerned about her care and well-being.

In honor of Jerry, please choose to affirm a loved one, encourage a friend or make someone laugh.

Memorial donations may be given to the Alzheimer's Foundation or the charity of the donor's choice.

Please leave a message or tribute to the Weiland family on the Wesbite, www.cedarmemorial.com under Obituaries.