Kriz, Gerald 'Jerry' L.

Gerald “Jerry” L. Kriz, 59, of Cedar Rapids, died early Sunday, Feb. 7, 2010, at Mercy Medical Center following a short illness. Services: 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at Papich-Kuba Janeba Chapel West, 1604 J St. SW, Cedar Rapids, by the Rev. Gary Austin of Grace Brethren Church. Burial: St. John's Cemetery. Friends may call after 9:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral chapel.

Jerry is survived by a brother, Thomas and wife Carol of Cedar Rapids; nephew, Brian; and nieces Kathryn and Julie. Also surviving is a special neighbor and friend, Allison Laughridge and her husband, Mike.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley Kriz and Helen (Mahan) Kriz Tedford.

Gerald was born March 13, 1950, in Cedar Rapids, and was a lifelong resident. He was a graduate of Washington High School. Jerry had been employed as a custodian at The Gazette and later at the Higley Building until retiring due to a disability in 2004. He was a member of Grace Brethren Church and the Wellington Heights Neighborhood Association.

Jerry was loved by his Fourth Avenue SE neighbors and they would have done anything they could for him because he was just like family to them.

Memorial contributions may be given to Grace Brethren Church and the Wellington Heights Neighborhood Association.