Memorial
Jerry, 79, passed away peacefully on Monday July 6th at the Meth-Wick Retirement Center in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Services and Interment were held privately for Jerry.
Born July 12th 1946 in Iowa City to Hank and Virginia Cerny, Jerry grew up on a small farm outside of Lone tree. Following high school graduation, he attended DeVry institution for Tech and engineering training in Chicago Ill. After graduation he returned to Cedar Rapids and started his carrier at Collins Radio. Shortly after beginning his career at Collins, and in leu of being drafted, Jerry voluntarily joined the United States Air Force and was deployed to Vietnam. Following his deployments, and subsequent honorable discharge, Jerry returned to work at Rockwell Collins where he met his wife, Joyce. After marrying in 1981 they welcomed 2 sons Chad (40) and Eric (37). Jerry continued his career at Collins for 40 years before retiring in 2008.
Jerry had an exceptional love of the outdoors. Rain, shine or snow he would always find time to enjoy nature. Taking his sons camping, fishing and hiking were always at the top of his priorities. As a boy scout leader with Isaak Walton Troop 766 he was able to share his extensive knowledge of the outdoors with not just his own sons, but also many other kids in the community. Jerry was also an avid bike rider who completed the annual RAGBRAI event, riding across the entire state of Iowa on 10 separate occasions.
He is survived by his wife Joyce, sons Chad (Kelsey), Eric (Jacqui), grandchildren Nahla and Laine, his brother Rick (Susan), sister Kim (David), sister-in-law Diane Mohs, and Nieces and Nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Hank and Virginia Cerny, parent-in-law Robert and Germain Hemesath and Brother-in-law Dick Mohs.