Gerald B. “Jerry” McGuire, 83, of Sioux City, Iowa, formerly Spirit Lake, Iowa, passed away peacefully February 18, 2022, surrounded by his family. A funeral mass will be held Saturday, February 26 at 10:30am at Mater Dei Parish-Immaculate Conception Church with Father Bradley Pelzel officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 4:00-7:00pm with a rosary at 4:00 and vigil at 7:00 at Meyer Brothers Morningside Chapel. The service will be livestreamed at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCX40vuPGzcLdMe_7v9bwXPg/videos and online condolences may be made to www.meyerbroschapels.com.
Jerry was born on January 26, 1939, in Algona, Iowa, to Bernard and Marietta (Gilbertson) McGuire. He grew up in Titonka, Iowa and graduated from Titonka High School in 1956. He served in the United States Navy from 1961-1964. He was united in marriage to Patricia “Patty” Haupert on June 10, 1967 in Bancroft, Iowa. To this union, 3 children were born, Tony, Susan, and Mary. Jerry worked as a grocer for more than 60 years, beginning at Rollie’s Food Center in Titonka and Randall’s Super-Valu in Boone, and later at Hy-Vee (Spirit Lake) for 30 years and Fareway (Mason City and Sioux City) for 20 years. His hard work ethic kept him busy even after retiring. Jerry joined the Knights of Columbus in 1970 in Boone, Iowa. He was a 50-year member of the KC’s attaining the 3rd Degree. While in Spirit Lake in the 1980’s, he was Deputy Grand Knight and Grand Knight. During that time he received the Top Proposer Award for 4 years and received the first-ever State of Iowa Grand Knight of the Year award in 1988. Throughout his involvement with the KC’s, Jerry volunteered at numerous events including soup & pie suppers, BINGO, free-throw contests, graduation brunch, omelet breakfasts, and Tootsie Roll Drives. He served as a Eucharistic Minister, usher, and CCD teacher and vounteered at Center For Siouxland’s food pantry. Above all, Jerry enjoyed spending time with family and friends. He was a Little League Coach and Boy/Cub Scout Leader. He enjoyed woodworking and helped Tony with his Pinewood Derby cars and the girls with many 4-H projects. He loved bowling, playing cards, and dancing, everything from waltzes and polkas to two-steps and the jitterbug. Jerry was a very kind, friendly man with an infectious smile and an easy-going spirit that not even Alzheimer’s Disease could dim. This was evident when he was voted Valentine’s King by the staff at Casa de Paz on February 14, 2022.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife of nearly 55 years Patty; children: Tony (Melodie) McGuire, Susan McGuire, Mary McGuire, and Jonette Spurlock, all of Sioux City; siblings: Patrick (Carol) McGuire, Richard (Nancy) McGuire, and Janice Guggisberg; in-laws: Dolores Inman, Shorty Mertz, Don (Mary) Haupert, Marilyn (Chuck) Bjustrom, Marge Drown, and Darlene (Cyril) Thilges; step-granddaughter Kristen Richey (Will Scott) and their children Opal and Richey; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and parents-in-law John and Mildred Haupert; siblings: Donald McGuire, Michael McGuire, and Joyce Elsbecker; in-laws: Richard Elsbecker, Phil Inman, Joan Mertz, Jim Haupert, and Russell Drown.
We love you and miss you, Jerry/Dad. Keep smiling and save a dance for us in Heaven!