Gerald C. McGee

Gerald (Gerry) C. McGee, age 84, of Elma, IA passed away on Saturday, November 20, 2021 at Mitchell County Regional Health Center in Osage, IA after a short illness with family by his side. A memorial mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 AM, Saturday, April, 30, 2022 at Immaculate Conception Church in Elma, IA with Father Jerry Kopacek celebrating. There will be a half hour visitation at the church prior to the memorial mass on Saturday. If you are not able to join the family in person please join them via Conway-Markham Funeral Home's Facebook page as the mass is Livestreamed. Online condolences may be left at www.conway-markhamfh.com. Memorials may be directed to the family. The Elma Depot Museum and Elma’s Calvary Cemetery best represent his volunteer and charitable interests. Gerald Charles was born on December 25, 1936. This Christmas Day gift was welcomed by his parents, Charles and Ella (Knippling) McGee in Elma, IA. He attended country schools and Elma’s IC Academy. Upon completion of his education, Gerald began his career in farming. Shortly thereafter, Gerald found the love of his life, Marian Marr. The couple were united in marriage on November 15, 1955 at Immaculate Conception Church in Riceville. Together they made their home where they welcomed their five sons, Gerry, Larry, Terry, Garry, and Perry. Throughout the years, Gerald’s roles changed in his community. During his life as school bus driver or auctioneer, he was well known for a friendly wave, kind heart, and empathetic listener. He was elected to the Elma City Council and served on many boards and committees. Gerald and Marian were recognized for their contributions to Elma by being named Grand Marshalls of the 2019 Old Roundhouse Trail Days parade. Gerald was a long-time member of the Elma IC Church, KC’s, and Foresters. He loved baseball, with the Cleveland Indians his favorite team and Bob Feller his favorite player. After three of his sons’ graduation from Iowa State University, he fanatically followed the Cyclones men’s and women’s sports programs. He was a caring guide through the years – opening doors to relatives who needed sanctuary. Later in life, during his over 40 years of sobriety, he mentored many in the area with compassion and friendship. He cherished these relationships. This also gave him his “purpose in life.” We know he hopes those friends continue their paths without him by their side. Gerald followed the best practices of science during the current pandemic. He sought the advice of his doctors and had both doses of the vaccine by early February, 2021. As immunity waned and cases increased, he resumed masking, social distancing, and avoiding crowded venues. He welcomed the chance to get the booster shot to help protect him and his loved ones. Ironically, the lack of ICU beds in Mason City, Austin, and Rochester, because of COVID may have contributed to the timing of his death. He enjoyed traveling. Frequent weekend drives served as learning experiences. Several trips to Ireland included week-long stays at his paternal grandmother’s hometown of Graiguenamanagh, County Kilkenny. He also spent many weekends watching Perry’s marathon runs throughout the world. Those left to cherish Gerald’s memories are his wife of 66 years, Marian of Elma; his five sons, Gerald, Jr. of LaGrange, GA, Lawrence of St. Ansgar; Terrance (Theresa Andrews) of Charles City; Garry of Elma and Perry of Cresco, IA; his granddaughter, Tara McGee of Mason City; brother in-law Dave Marr of Colonial Manor, sisters-in law Bea Marr of Riceville, Val Marr of Del Rio, TX, Hazel Boyle of Elma, and Tami Marr of Osage; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sisters Eileen Weber and Kathleen Meirick; brothers and sisters in-law Kenny Weber; Harold and Mary Lou (Marr) Koschmeder; Bob Marr; Pat Boyle; Tom Marr; Dorothy Ann Marr; and Mary Ann Marr; nephews Bob Weber, Bob Marr, Jr., and Paul Marr; and niece Linda Hosek.