Memorial
Jerry Strait, 81, died peacefully early Monday morning, February 20, 2017, following a short fight with lung cancer after spending Sunday surrounded by his wife, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.
Visitation: 4:00 until 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Services: 1:00 p.m. Thursday, February 23, 2017 at the Cedar Memorial Park Chapel of Memories officiated by Pastor John Albertson with interment following at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery.
Jerry was born June 7, 1935 in Iowa City to Leland and Marjorie Lint Strait and was the second youngest son of eleven children. He married his high school sweetheart Barbara Mae McNabb on June 10, 1956 at Central Park Presbyterian Church in Cedar Rapids. He was preceded in death by his parents, all seven brothers, two older sisters, many of their spouses, and several nieces and nephews.
He is survived by his wife of more than sixty-one years, Barbara; his two daughters and their partners Kelly Strait and Lesley Fleer of Robins; and Penny Strait Driscoll and Ted Ealy of Cedar Rapids. Papa adored his three oldest grandchildren, Jessica “Pumpkin” Driscoll McVicker (Adam); Erica “Mouse” Driscoll Pecinovsky (Joseph); and Aryn “Peanut” Driscoll (Jaime). Over the past few weeks as his health declined, it was his youngest granddaughter Marcelle Strait, and his great-grandsons Patrick Slaymaker and Nolan Pecinovksy, and great granddaughter Rylie Kuhn who made his face light up when they entered his room.
Jerry worked for many years at Penick & Ford, and then in the maintenance department of St. Luke’s Hospital until his retirement. He and Barb loved to travel and camp in their motorhome, and belonged to several camping groups throughout the years. They loved adventure, but they were just as happy and content being together doing everyday things. Jerry will be dearly missed by all those who loved him.
A memorial has been established in Jerry’s name.