Gerard “Jerry” P. Connolly, 67, of Farley, Iowa passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on November 29, 2024, at his home.

The gathering for Jerry will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at the Reiff Funeral Home in Farley, Iowa, where a prayer service will be held at 1:30 p.m.  The gathering will also be held after 9 a.m. on Thursday.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, December 5, 2024, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, Iowa with Rev. Michael Schueller presiding.  Burial will be held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery.

Jerry was born on February 1, 1957, in Dubuque, Iowa, son of Paul and Mary “Toni” (Driscoll) Connolly.  He was a 1975 graduate of Western Dubuque High School in Epworth, Iowa.  He went on to receive his degree in Nursing from Northeast Iowa Community College.  He began his nursing career as a Nurse for Mercy in Dubuque and later at the Iowa Department of Corrections.  In 2013 he retired from the Anamosa State Penitentiary, as the Nursing Service Director.

He was united in marriage to Judy Spoden on November 11, 1978, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley, Iowa.  Jerry was very proud of his Irish Heritage and had the opportunity to travel to Ireland.  He enjoyed fishing with his family, playing guitar, a good cup of coffee, and cruising the streets of Farley.

He was an avid Hawkeyes, Steelers and Yankees fan.

He was a member of St. Joseph’s Parish in Farley, Iowa.

Those left to cherish Jerry’s memory are his wife, Judy Connolly of Farley, IA; one daughter, Amber Connolly; a daughter-in-law, Lori McDermott; two grandchildren, Aidan and Addison all of Cedar Rapids, IA; six sibling, Janann (Gerald) Weber of Dyersville, IA, Diann (Rodney) Mozena of Dubuque, IA, Mary Eileen (Mark) Smith of Cedar Rapids, IA, Lyle (Bonnie) Connolly of Davenport, and Keith (Kris) Connolly of Colorado; In-laws, Joan (Wayne) Marxen of Epworth, IA, James Spoden of Cedar Rapids, IA, Joseph (Karen) Spoden of Robins, IA, and Jerry (Margie) Spoden of Marion, IA.

He is preceded in death by his parents; one brother, Richard Connolly on June 12, 1996; his father and mother-in-law, John E. “Jack” and Jane E. (Losey) Spoden.

An online video tribute may be viewed and online condolences sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com

The family would like to thank Hospice of Dubuque, the Farley Volunteer Ambulance personnel.