Gerry Odeen

Gerry Odeen

Ely

Gerry Odeen, 81, of Ely, passed away Monday, July 10, 2023, at UnityPoint-St. Luke’s Hospital following a sudden illness. Services will be held Saturday, July 15, 2023, 11:30 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church in Cedar Rapids. Visitation will be held from 9 to 11 a.m. at the church. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.

Survivors include her husband of 61 years, Harold; daughters Janette (Jeff) Kewley and Karen (Brian) Dalziel: son Harold (Lorna) Odeen; grandchildren, Harold, Adrina, Emily, Charles, Cynthia, Stephanie, Josh, Alex, Calvin and Kyle; 14 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren; brothers, LeRoy (Dorothy) Webster and Raymond Webster; and sister, Marie Webster.

Gerry was preceded in death by her parents and her son, Roger Odeen.

Gerry was born June 12, 1942, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, to parents Edward and Mildred Webster. Immediately after graduating from Jefferson High School in 1961, she married Harold Odeen. The two lived in Virginia and California while Harold served in the U.S. Navy. They settled in Cedar Rapids in 1964 when Harold left the Navy.

Gerry always had a smile on her face and cherished time with family. She never missed celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays. She traveled with family on over a dozen vacations all over the country. She also enjoyed dancing and cooking – her family insists she made the best potato salad. The annual family Christmas cookie baking day filled many homes with holiday treats – her peanut cluster tins are legendary. Gerry was a regular at church, singing in her church choir and helping out at coffee hour. Singing in the Odeen band in area nursing homes and community centers was a source of joy. Gerry will be missed and her memory cherished by all who knew her.

Memorial donations may be directed to University of Iowa Children’s Hospital, Operation Smile, or your favorite charity.

Online condolences may be left for the family at cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.