Memorial

Gerald R. Eganhouse, 84, of Cedar Rapids passed away Friday, October 6, 2017 at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. Funeral Mass: 10:00 am Saturday, October 14, 2017 at All Saints Catholic Church in Cedar Rapids. A visitation will be held from 4-7 pm Friday, October 13, 2017 at Cedar Memorial Chapel Stateroom with Rosary Service beginning at 3:30 pm.

Gerald was born on September 25, 1933 in Bellevue, Iowa, to Elmer and Amelia (Kieffer) Eganhouse, as the ninth of eleven children. He married Barbara Johnson on November 19, 1955. 

Gerald graduated from Oxford Junction High School, left the family farm in Wyoming, Iowa and joined the United States Air Force becoming an award winning bomber pilot and instructor specializing in teaching mid-air refueling of B-47s. He then attended Iowa State University for two years of undergraduate studies, the University of Iowa’s Dental School and Orthodontics programs. He later opened his orthodontic practice in Cedar Rapids. He was the first full-time orthodontist in Cedar Rapids to achieve the designation of Diplomat of the American Board of Orthodontics, a designation he carried for over 40 years. “Doctor E” felt blessed to deliver a service that brought him and his patients such satisfaction. 

He served as the President of the Linn County Dental Society and the Iowa Society of Orthodontists, along with lecturing in Guatemala City and Chicago on original research. 

He was proud of his involvement with the creation of the Linn County Dental Health Center which continues to deliver free dental care to low-income children and developmentally disabled individuals in our community. 

Gerry was an avid boater and especially fond of spending time at the family cabin at Lake Delhi, Iowa. He also enjoyed entertaining family and friends in Ft. Myers, Florida.  Gerry worked hard and devoted his life to his wife, family and close friends. He was a very generous, honest, religious, kind, humorous and unselfish person who always put others before himself. 

Survivors include his wife of sixty-two years, Barbara; four children, Michael (fiancé Dottie), Kenneth (Beth), Jennifer, Paul (Kristi); twelve grandchildren, Amber, Alex, Megan, Ali, Matt, Robbie, Nick, Delaney, Sam, Katie, Mario and Gerry; two great grandchildren, Reid and Reyata; and daughter-in-law, Ana. 

He was preceded in death by his son, David and grandson, Andy.

Memorials may be directed to All Saints Catholic Church, Dr. Rhys B. Jones Dental Health Center, American Heart Association or the Community Health Free Clinic in memory of Gerald.