Obituary of Gerald A. Probasco

Gerald A. “Jerry” Probasco, 75 of rural Cedar Rapids died Friday, October 24, 2008, at his home under the loving care of his wife, Margaret. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, November 1, 2008, at the First United Methodist Church in North Liberty @ 85 Jones Blvd. Visitation will be held from 9am – 10:30am Saturday directly before the services at the church. Military honors will be provided as part of Jerry’s services. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in Jerry’s memory. Online condolences may be sent for his family through the web @ gayandciha.com. Jerry was born October 27, 1932, in Fargo, ND the son of Harley and Gladys (Welch) Probasco. He moved with his family to Edgewood, IA in 1933 where he grew up. Jerry attended Clayton County Rural Schools graduating from Edgewood High School in 1951. In 1952 he entered the U.S. Army. After basic training, he served 16 months in Korea where he was a proud member of the 936 Field Artillery Battalion. Returning from military service, Jerry married Margaret Novak on Sept. 17, 1955, and they have lived in the Cedar Rapids area since 1957. Jerry farmed, drove his own truck, and drove truck for MSI. He was an avid trout fisherman, mushroom hunter, and card player. In later years he enjoyed RV’ing with Margaret. Jerry was a member of the American Legion Post 109, Lisbon, IA, and the Patrick Shanahan Post No. 788 of the VFW in Cedar Rapids. Jerry was a member of First United Methodist Church in North Liberty, and had also served as a 4-H leader for 15 years. His family includes his wife Margaret, special nephews, David (Diane) Probasco, and their children Megan, Matthew and Tyler of Urbandale, IA; Robert (Colette) Probasco, and their children Mitchell, Quinn, Jay and Mark of Shawano, WI. sister-in-law, Hazel Probasco of Shawano, WI; sister, Alice (Lyle) Hamlett of Edgewood, and their children, Eileen (Richard) Waterman of Manchester, IA, Dr. James Hamlett of State College, PA, Tom Hamlett of Beloit, WI, and Cathy (Larry) Shaw of Edgewood; brother, Joe (Sue) Probasco of Hollister, MO; numerous great and great-great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Arthur Probasco. Gay & Ciha Funeral and Cremation Service of Iowa City is caring for Jerry’s family and his services.