Memorial

Gerald L. “Tink” Willey, 74, of Marion, passed away Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2019 in his home after a brief illness.  A Celebration of his Life will be held at 12pm Saturday, Nov. 2, at Cedar Memorial Park, with visitation from 11am-12pm.

Tink was born Nov 22, 1944, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Ralph and Esther (Brinkman) Willey.  He was a 1962 Graduate of Lincoln Community School in Stanwood,  After graduating, Tink  proudly served in the United States Marine Corps from 1962-1966, being awarded the National Defense Service medal, Vietnam Service medal, and M-14 Rifle Expert.  In 1977, he began working for Quaker Oats in Cedar Rapids as a Systems Analyst, spending time at their facilities in Marion, OH, Jackson, TN, and Chicago, IL before retiring as Manager Information Systems in Cedar Rapids in 2010.    

Tink was married to Dawn Johnson on Oct. 17, 1987 in Jackson, TN, where they resided until 1989, when Tink’s work with Quaker took them to Chicago, after which they returned to Iowa in 1990, residing in Marion since 1996.  

One of Tink’s favorite hobbies was stock car racing, where he acquired an extensive “racing family” over the years, and etching the name “Tinkster” and his car #33 in our hearts forever.  Friday nights meant race night at Hawkeye Downs Raceway for several years for our family, and those memories are cherished.  Tink always made time to help family and friends with their  projects, and as time allowed, he enjoyed boating, fishing, and of course, watching NASCAR.

Tink is survived by his wife, Dawn; his children, Brady (Carrie) Johnson of Tucson, AZ, Brion Johnson of Cedar Rapids, and Brook (Kevin) Smock of Atkins; four grandchildren, Matthew Mohr, Heather (Tyler) Garbart, and Lindsey Smock of Cedar Rapids, and Emily Johnson, of Naperville, IL; three great-grandchildren, Gracie, Braxton, and Riley; brother, Doug (Edie) Willey; sister, Janice Vine; sister-in-law, Sherry Willey; and many special nieces and nephews.

Tink was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Roger Willey; father-in-law, Albert Borowski; special friends George Conklin and Al Roberts; and his beloved black lab, Bud Dog.

Tink will be remembered for the selfless way he gave of himself to others, whatever the need may be, for his warm smile, his comforting presence, his sense of humor, and for teaching us to find joy in things as simple as a road trip with bologna sandwiches and Oreo cookies.