Gerald “Jerry” Lee Mitchell, 90, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, went to be with the Lord on Sunday, November 24, 2024. A funeral service will be held at 2 p.m. on Monday, December 2, 2024, at Murdoch-Linwood Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Cedar Rapids. Burial will follow at Linwood Cemetery in Cedar Rapids. The family will greet friends at the funeral home from 4 to 6 p.m., following the burial.
Gerald was born February 3, 1934, in Baldwin, Iowa, the son of Charles and Wilma (Scott) Mitchell. He attended Iowa School for the Deaf in Council Bluffs. Gerald was united in marriage to JoAnn Harriet Wilcox in Delavan, Wisconsin. They Were married for over 60 years. He worked for Rockwell Collins for over 30 years until his retirement in 1992. Gerald was a member of the Word of God Lutheran Deaf Church.
Gerald was a proud member of the Deaf Club and an active participant in the Deaf community. Bowling was one of his greatest passions, and he hit the lanes four days a week for many years, continuing well into his mid-80s. Gerald loved to travel, often visiting his sister in Oklahoma and Texas, and cherished casino trips with friends. A car enthusiast at heart, he enjoyed flipping through car magazines and visiting car lots to admire the latest models. Fascinated by UFOs, Gerald loved diving into all things unknown. He had a habit of indulging in dessert before every meal and loved his hot cocoa. Above all, Gerald treasured the time spent with his family. He was very proud to be the father of four children. His curiosity showed when he met you for the first time. He would have endless questions about you and your family. His light-hearted nature will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Survivors include his wife, JoAnn Mitchell; and children, Rex Mitchell, Jesse (Melissa) Mitchell, Carolyn (Ed) Graybill, and Rita (Mark) Nierling; grandkids, Cody, Kyle, Brooke, Ryan, Sydney, Morgan, Autumn, Mitchell, and McLean “Mac”; great-grandkids, Knox, LouElla, and Hadley; and sister, Gayle (Ron) Lyle.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his brother, Max (Delores) Mitchell.
Memorials may be directed to Word of God Lutheran Church for the Deaf, 1515 29th Street NE, Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52402.
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