Gerald J. "Jerry" Ridgeway

1963 - 2021

Gerald J. "Jerry" Ridgeway

October 8, 1963-August 20, 2021

LECLAIRE-Gerald J. "Jerry" Ridgeway, 57, of LeClaire, IA, passed away Friday, August 20, 2021 after a courageous battle with Interstitial Lung Disease. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, August 25, at the Runge Mortuary. In lieu of plants and flowers, the family would like you to plant a tree in his memory. Online condolences may be expressed at www.rungemortuary.com.

Jerry was born October 8, 1963 to Donald and Wanda (Reed) Ridgeway in Davenport, IA. He was a graduate from Pleasant Valley High School in 1982 and joined the Army to serve and protect our country. Jerry was an infantryman with B Company, 1st battalion, 502 Infantry of the 101st Airborne Division. He completed a tour with Multi-national Force and Observers (MFO) in the Sinai Peninsula, as well as Desert Storm. At the completion of his active duty service he transitioned to the Iowa National Guard in Davenport. On February 14, 1986 he was united in marriage to Shelly Speetzen in LeClaire, IA. Jerry worked at the UPS for 32 years, and also volunteered with UPS on Habitat for Humanity builds. He was also a member of the Eldridge Fire Department from 1996-2003.

Jerry's passion was wood-working and he spent many hours in his shop working on projects. He loved to see others enjoying their finished pieces. His greatest joy was being a "Papa" to his grandchildren. He loved to draw cartoons and give rides on his 4-wheeler.

Surviving are his loving wife, Shelly Ridgeway; mother, Wanda Ridgeway; son, Eric (Deven) Ridgeway; daughter, Megan (Ian) Macumber; grandchildren: Travis, Noah, Addy, Caden, Chase, Ryder, Hudson, and Liam who is due in October; along with brothers, Gean and Paul.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents and father.