Memorial

Gerald A. Bodensteiner, 73, of Cedar Rapids, died Thursday June 2, 2016 at Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy from Pancreatic and Bone Cancer with his family at his side.  Funeral Mass: 10:00 a.m. Monday St. Pius X Catholic Church. Burial: Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery. A visitation will be held on Sunday from 2-5p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home.

Survivors include his wife Diana L. Bodensteiner, his children; Gregory (Jennifer) Bodensteiner Norwalk, Iowa, Rachelle (Jordon) O’Leary of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Jennifer James) Dyszkiewicz of South Bend, Indiana, his grandchildren; Kelsey and Kara Bodensteiner, Samuel and Gabriel Hester, Dylan Brecht and Jordan Dyszkiewicz, his siblings; Clarinda Thuente of Sterling, Illinois, Virgil Bodensteiner of McKinley, Texas, Arlene Stendel of Castalia, Iowa, Dale Bodensteiner of Ossian, Iowa, Robert Bodensteiner of Elkader, Iowa, Lyle Bodensteiner of Waukon, Iowa and Keith Bodensteiner of Ossian, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents, and two brothers, Cornell and Leo Bodensteiner.

Gerald was born February 11, 1943 in Castalia, Iowa, the son of Gregory and Agnes (Balk) Bodensteiner.  Gerald was raised on the family farm and after graduating from De Sales Catholic High School in Ossian he worked on a farm for two years.  Gerald joined the Navy in 1963, where he received Electronics Training. He served two tours during the Vietnam War on Air Craft Carriers in the Philippines.   After serving his country Gerald returned to the states beginning his  career in computers and electronics starting with Collins Radio 1967, then moving on to work for Burroughs Corporation\Unisys 1971. Gerald took a break from computers from 1989-1992 to work at Mike McGrath Auto Dealership because of his love for cars.  Gerald continued his computer career with United Fire and Casualty in 1992 and retired after 15 years in 2008.  

Jerry married Diana Hillers on February 24, 1968 after being setup on blind date in 1965.  He was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church where he was an active member and sang in the choir.  Jerry was always willing to help anyone with his incredible ability to fix about anything except for a balloon.   Jerry, a loving husband, father, and grandfather will be dearly missed.