Gerald “Jerry” Dunn, age 84, died peacefully at home on September 22, 2026, after a long illness. To honor Jerry’s life, a private family Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

Jerry came into this world on February 14, 1942. Yes, it was Valentine’s Day–quite fitting for a man with a big heart. He graduated from Strawberry Point High School in 1960, and married the love of his life, Shiela Smock, a year later. On moving to Cedar Rapids, Jerry became a printer at LeFebure Co., and then a driver for Cedar Rapids Transfer & Storage. After retirement, he and Shiela moved to Dubuque to be closer to their daughter, Jackie.

He was a man of many interests. He enjoyed boating and fishing with family and friends in summer, and skiing in winter. He was devoted to the Iowa Hawkeyes, and was especially proud of having gone to their Final Four men’s basketball game in 1980, and Rose Bowl football game in 1982. He loved classic cars and auto racing, and rarely missed a NASCAR race on television. Most recently, he’d become a huge fan of Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever.

Jerry loved a good party, and good music, particularly tunes from the 1960s. He developed a love of old movies while working at the Orpheum movie theater in Strawberry Point, and often could be found watching films from the 40s and 50s well into the evening—or even early morning. He was just a solid guy, willing to lend a hand, or a tool, or his time; always with a smile, never expecting anything in return. He will be missed by all who knew him.

Those left to cherish Jerry’s memory include his daughter, Jackie (Ian) Koontz; beloved granddaughters, Marisa and Brittany; and eight living siblings: Rose Ann Siegele, Gregory Dunn, Mary (Larry) Kreinbrink, Marcelene Keppler, Lynette (Merlin) Goedken, Kevin (John Hoops) Dunn, Felicia (Al) Vaske, and Steve (Juan Martinez) Dunn.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shiela Dunn; parents, Burnell and Rosemary Dunn; and siblings Tom Dunn and Robert Dunn.

Memorials may be made to Hospice of Dubuque and online condolences for Jerry’s family may be left at www.tristatecremationcenter.com

Jerry’s family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque for their care during his final days, as well as all of his medical providers (especially Dr. David Ringold).