Obituary for Gerald Orvie Friend

Gerald "Jerry or Jethro" Friend, 68, of Charles City, Iowa passed away Friday, January 19, 2007 at his home in Charles City, Iowa. Per his wishes, Gerald was cremated. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 27, 2007 at 3:00 PM at the VFW in Charles City, IA. Gerald is survived by his wife Elynor Friend of Charles City, IA; one daughter Gail (Duane) Fast of Charles City, IA, three sons Michael Friend (special friend Judy Jackson) of LaValle, WI, Mathew Friend (Louan) of Endeavor, WI, and Patrick Friend of Madison, WI; and his mother-in-law Genevieve McKillips. Gerald had fourteen grandchildren, Jennifer Hopper, Kylene (Matt) Zech, Melissa Steinhorst, Gregory Friend, Avril (Dwayne) Alvarez, Charly Friend, Heather Fast, Bruce Couron, Geoffry Friend, Katie Friend, Samantha Friend, Jacob Friend, Kody Friend, Kory Friend; plus seven great grandchildren with one new addition expected. He was preceded in death by his parents Ivan and Lavernus Friend; one sister Gail Joan Friend; and his father-in-law Harold McKillips. Gerald Orvie Friend was born March 14, 1938 to Ivan and Lavernus (Vandeventer) Friend in Charles City, IA. He married Elynor McKillips on June 27, 1959 in Roscoe, IL. Gerald was a 1957 graduate of the Beloit Memorial High School in Beloit, WI. He served in the United States Navy for four years from 1955 till 1959; he later served in the United States Army for eight additional years from 1960 till 1968. He was most proud to serve his country as a Special Forces Soldier. After serving his country Gerald was employed with the Wisconsin Power and Light Company as a Chief Line Technician for 24 years from 1970 till his retirement in 1994. Gerald was a member of the Charles City American Legion No. 174, past member of the Charles City Amvets No. 2001, and life member of the Charles City VFW No. 3914. Gerald enjoyed hunting, fishing, collecting guns, and calling commands for the Charles City VFW Honor Squad. Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society in Gerald’s name.