Jerry Lee Ready, 87, of Iowa City, IA and Vincennes, IN, passed away peacefully on September 24, 2015, surrounded by his family.
Jerry was born in Johnson Township, Knox County, Indiana on October 20, 1927, the son of Prentice H. and Edith (Redfern) Ready. Mr. Ready served two years in the US Army during WWII. He was drafted in 1945 and served in Japan in the occupational army. He holds degrees from Vincennes University, Oakland City College, Indiana State University, and graduated from the University of Iowa in 1972, with a Doctorate in Educational Administration. Ready spent 20 years in the field of education in Davenport, Iowa, and served in a number of positions, retiring as educational services director of the Area Education Agency #9 of Eastern Iowa.
Jerry enjoyed building things and helping people – often at the same time. In retirement, he built many homes, barns, and remodeled countless others. “Uncle Jerry” was often going to Menards or coming from there – with a building project underway.
He is survived by his wife Lavonne “Bonnie” Ready; one daughter, Joy Neighbors; four step-sons, William Goedken and his wife, Ronabel, of Castle Rock, CO, Tom Goedken and his wife, Jammie, of Solon, IA, Bob Goedken and his wife, Cathy, of Carlsbad, CA, and John Paul Goedken and his wife, Jill, of Des Moines, IA; two sisters, Marion Deem and her husband, Emmett, of Vincennes, IN, and Grace Ready of Iona, IN; a brother, Rex Ready and his wife, Ann, of Vincennes, IN; a nephew, Brent Stader and his wife, Nancy, of Iona, IN; three nieces, Janie Haggard and her husband, Jerry, Lynn Gray and her husband, Mark, and Beth Bird; great nieces and nephews, Jill Smith, Paige Stader, Emily Gray, Katie Gray, Laura Bird, Jathan Haggard, and Lane Bird.
Preceding him were his parents; his brother, Darrell “Pete” Ready, and a sister, Maxine Ready.
Friends may visit with Jerry’s family from 10:00 – 11:00 on Saturday, Oct. 3, at Goodwin Funeral Home, 524 Broadway. A memorial service will begin at 11:00.
Donations may be made to Jerry’s memorial fund at Helping His Hands Disaster Response. Online condolences may be sent to his family through goodwinfamilyfh.com.