Walter “Jerry” G. Mollman

Walter “Jerry” G. Mollman

Cedar Rapids

Walter G. “Jerry” Mollman, 98, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 12, 2024. His family will host a memorial service with military honors at 10:00 am on Tuesday, November 12 at Faith Presbyterian Church, Cedar Rapids. The burial will take place in Linwood Cemetery, Cedar Rapids, at a later date.

Walt was born April 30, 1926, in Hialeah, Florida, the son of Melvin and Desmond Irene (Roberts) Mollman. After graduating from McKinley High School, Cedar Rapids, IA in 1944, he enrolled in the Navy ROTC program at the University of Texas and then served in WWII, until his tour was complete in 1947. After his service, Walt earned a Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Iowa, graduating in 1949. While at the University of Iowa, he met the love of his life, Evalyn Geraldine “Geri” Wygle and the two were married in Clarksville, Iowa on September 23, 1950. Walt started working for Collins Radio Co., now known as Collins Aerospace, in Cedar Rapids. A few months later, Uncle Sam recalled Walt to the Navy, and he served in the Korean War from 1950 until he was honorably discharged in 1952. After returning to Iowa, he obtained an Electrical Engineering degree from Iowa State University and returned to Collins Radio for a career that spanned 38 years. During his tenure, Walt earned a U.S. patent for a Multiple Position Electrical Switch, a novel technique that continues to influence equipment to this day.

Walt and Geri were charter members of Calvin United Presbyterian Church, now known as Faith Presbyterian Church, where they sang in the church choir for many years. Walt’s love of singing took him into the community, where he was a member of several choirs including the Masters Gospel Quartet that performed throughout the state, Chorale Midwest and the Collins Chorus. He also performed in local musical productions, The Music Man being his favorite. A devoted supporter of the arts, Walt was a long-time subscriber to Orchestra Iowa, formerly the Cedar Rapids Symphony.

Walt was a true sports fan. Growing up, he enjoyed track, golf and baseball. Upon retirement, he picked up the game of tennis, becoming quite successful in tennis tournaments around the Midwest. He was a faithful fan of the Iowa Hawkeyes, Minnesota Twins and Chicago Cubs.

Walt was one of the kindest, most humble men you could ever meet, with a true servant’s heart. He always put others first and quietly led by example. Walt genuinely cared about those around him, taking the time to ask about your life and truly listen. A devoted family man, Walt delighted in visits from his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and kept close ties with his nieces and nephews. He was always eager to make sure guests were comfortable and had everything they needed. Walt’s grandchildren always knew where the treats were, and that if they asked, Grandpa would supply them with 7-Up or cranberry juice. His great-grandchildren loved visiting too, knowing there would always be a toy or some blocks waiting for them. And he never let you leave empty-handed; whether it was a cookie or a can of soda, he’d always slip something into your hand as a parting gesture. His thoughtfulness never wavered. Even this past May, he reached out to every mother in his family to wish her a Happy Mother’s Day.

Survivors include his daughter, Mary Jean Mollman of Cedar Rapids, Iowa; sons, Robert (Susan) Mollman of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Philip (Jane) Mollman of Rosemount, Minnesota; grandchildren, Ian Seiler of Seattle, Washington, Jessica (John) Witt of Marion, Iowa, Corbin (Sarah) Mollman of Robins, Iowa, Brian (Sally) Mollman of Circle Pines, Minnesota, Peter Mollman and Bethany Mollman, both of Rosemount, Minnesota; great-grandchildren, Landon Witt, Madelyn Witt, and Jackson Witt, all of Marion, Iowa, Jameson Mollman, Samantha Jo Mollman, and Calum Mollman, all of Robins Iowa, and Charles Mollman and Hugh Mollman of Circle Pines, Minnesota; brother, Lee (Carol) Cole of Richmond, Texas, sisters in-law Mary Ellen Vernon of Lakewood, Colorado and Jean Aboul-Ela of Denton, Texas, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin Mollman and Irene Mollman-Cole; wife, Geri Mollman in 2022; granddaughter, Samantha Laura Mollman; brothers, Gordon and Wilbur Mollman and two brothers-in-law, Mohamed Aboul-Ela and John Vernon.

As per Walt’s request, his body has been willed to The University of Iowa Deeded Body Program. Memorials made in Walt’s memory may be directed to Faith Presbyterian Church or The Salvation Army.

Please share a memory of Walt at www.murdochfuneralhomecom under obituaries.

The family knows that Walt would want to say “Thank-you” to the Methwick team and the UnityPoint Hospice staff for their care and support.