Gerald Purcell

Gerald “Jerry” Purcell, 82, of DeWitt, Iowa, passed away peacefully with his loving wife at his side on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at Clarissa C. Cook Hospice House in Bettendorf.

Gerald Ivin Purcell was born January 16, 1943, in Clinton, Iowa, to Taylor and Lisetta (Christiansen) Purcell, and was raised with his stepfather, Max Eskildsen. Jerry attended school in Charlotte, Iowa, and enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the U.S.S. Ranger from 1963 to 1967. He married Jean Simoni on July 17, 1971, in Charlotte. The couple resided in DeWitt, where they raised two sons. Jerry worked for Caterpillar, LSI-Hormel, and Twigg’s Tree Trimming.

Jerry was a member of the Eugene McManus American Legion Post #238. He was an avid fisherman, a civil war buff, loved spending time at home relaxing in his recliner, weekly Euchre games with his brother, and daily visits with his friends at Jack’s.

Surviving are his wife, Jean; sons, Garic Purcell of DeWitt and Greyson (Nikki) Purcell of Portland, Oregon; grandchildren, Cameron, Finn, and Connor; siblings, Mark (Becky) Eskildsen, and Paula (Joe) Brozo; numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, and infant sisters, Bonnie and Janet.

A Celebration of Life will be held at TYCOGA in DeWitt, Iowa, on June 20, 2025, from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.  Jerry will be interred at 10:00 a.m. with military rites at Rossiter Cemetery in Charlotte.

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com

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