Memorial

John Leonard “Len” Gourley, 91, of Cedar Rapids, passed away on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House surrounded by his loving family.  Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2024 at 10 am, with a visitation beginning at 9 am, at All Saints Catholic Church.  Rev. John R. Flaherty will be officiating.  Burial, with military honors, will be held on Friday at Rose Hill Cemetery in Shenandoah.

John was born on May 19, 1932 to John Edwin and Adelia (Burkey) Gourley on a farm outside of Villisca, Iowa.  Following graduation from Shenandoah High, John was drafted into the Army and served during the Korean Conflict.  Upon his return, he joined the Army National Guard, where he served for 25 years.  He was united in marriage to Patricia Zimmer on May 18, 1957 at St. Mary’s in Shenandoah.  To this union, three sons and a daughter were born.  John worked as a buyer for multiple companies in the Cedar Rapids area.  He was active in all local military organizations, including being a DI for Hanford Post 5 color guard, and the Elks Lodge.

He is survived by his wife, Pat; children, Michael (Lori), Ken (Kathy), Margaret (Sean Smith), and Joseph (Kathy); 10 grandchildren, Stephanie Gourley, Jessica (Rob) Wirtjes, Andrea (Lucas) Robison, Alex (Kelli) Gourley, Kara (Darrin) Christensen, Kurtis Gourley, Danielle (Brandon) Cunningham, Samantha (Sam) Nelson, Jeremy Gourley, and Nathan Gourley; 12 great-grandchildren; his sister, Anita Osthoff; and his aunt, Edith Swanson.

John was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Richard.