Memorial

Gerald (Jerry) R. Groom passed away peacefully at Sunday, January 15, 2023 with his wife by his side.  Jerry passed away after courageously battling CLL (Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia) for 19+ years.  He was at stage IV five different times during those many years. He was a survivor in every sense of the word. According to his wishes cremation rites will be accorded.

Jerry was born in Thief River Falls, Minnesota on 18 January 1947.  He was the son of Ray and Sylvia Groom.

Jerry graduated from Newton High School in 1965.  

After high school Jerry joined the Air Force and attained the rank of Sergeant.  He was a veteran of the Vietnam war (doing 3 tours) as an MP.  Jerry received the Order of the Silver Rose for his Vietnam Military Service.  He was truly a Vietnam Veteran, Agent Orange Victim, as well as an American hero.

After his military service Jerry attended DMACC (Des Moines Area Community College) and Western Illinois University receiving a degree in Computer Science.  

Shortly thereafter Jerry joined the John Deere Company in Moline, IL.  He worked at John Deere as an Infrastructure Analyst in the Computer Services department.  At age 53 he went on to receive his MCSE (Microsoft Certified System Engineer).  He was the oldest in his class and received straight A’s.  He was quite proud of that accomplishment.

Jerry met his future wife, Anne on the ski slopes of Steamboat Springs, CO.  They were married at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN in 1996.  

Jerry was a lifetime member of the VVA (Vietnam Veterans of America – chapters 299 and 669); the VFW Post 10056 (Dubois, WY); American Legion Post 298 (Marion, IA); Kellogg Historical Society of Kellogg, IA; EISC (East Iowa Ski Club) of Cedar Rapids, IA; and the Plus 60 (Travel Group) of the Quad Cities.

Survivors include his beloved wife, Anne; one brother, Lee and two sisters, Pat and Sherry; two nieces and two nephews; two stepchildren, Christopher (Val); Christiane (Brent) and six of the best grandchildren you could ask for.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Sylvia Groom.  

As Jerry and Anne were inseparable in life, so will they be in death.  Their ashes will be reunited and buried at the Rock Island Arsenal National Cemetery.  Private graveside services will be held at that time.

The family wishes to express sincere thanks for the exceptional care that Jerry received from the Iowa City VA Health Care Systems.  In lieu of flowers, plants, and physical gifts, memorials in Jerry’s memory may be directed to Camp Courageous of Monticello Iowa.