Obituary for Geraldine Frances "Gerry" Wester (Murphy)
Geraldine F. “Gerry” Wester, of Independence, IA formally of La Porte City, IA, died on January 26, 2020 at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence, IA.
Gerry was born on November 2, 1929 in Waucoma, IA the daughter of Francis J. and Loretta F. (Kruse) Murphy. She attended St. Benedict Catholic School until moving to Waterloo. She was a 1948 graduate of Waterloo East High School. She went on to Pitze’s Beauty School in Waterloo and worked for a short time as a beautician. On February 3, 1951 she married the love of her life; Raphael (Ray) C. Wester, in Waterloo, IA. In 1968 they moved into the former Catholic Church Parsonage in La Porte City, because it was large enough for her family. Gerry was blessed with nine children and managed to meet all their needs.
She was known for her caring heart, and openness to help others. Even though she had nine children to care for she found time to volunteer throughout the community and her church. For many years she served on the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) Committee, as a Girl Scout and Boy Scout Leader, and a member of St. Catherine’s Circle and The Rosary Society at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in La Porte City. She often made donations to the food pantry, church, and clothing drives. Taking care of her family was always her priority. Even though her children were grown in her later years, she often had them and her grandchildren on her mind.
Gerry is survived by her children Delores Wester, Waterloo, IA, Mary Wester, Nashville, TN, Tom (Linda) Wester, Virginia Beach, VA, Joel Wester, Waterloo, IA, Andrea (Tom) Huston, Independence, IA, June (Mike) Bartlett, Waterloo, IA, Richard (Rene) Wester, Liberal, KS, Ruth Wester, Independence, IA, and Geri (Don Murtha) Wester, Victor, IA, 17 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren, a brother, Francis Murphy Jr., Waterloo, IA, and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Ray Wester, her parents; Francis J. and Loretta F. (Kruse) Murphy, two sisters; Rosetta Haugen, and Anita Aries, and a brother, LaVerne Murphy.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday February 1, 2020, at St. John’s Catholic Church, 209 5th Ave NE, Independence, IA, with Rev. David Beckman presiding. Burial will be held at Westview Cemetery, La Porte City, IA. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM with a 5 PM Rosary and a 7 PM Parish Vigil Service on Friday January 31, 2020 at the Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory, 216 3rd Ave SE, Independence, IA.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice, 801 First St. E., Independence, IA 50644 or St. John’s Catholic Church, 209 5th Ave NE, Independence, IA 50644.
Gerry was born on November 2, 1929 in Waucoma, IA the daughter of Francis J. and Loretta F. (Kruse) Murphy. She attended St. Benedict Catholic School until moving to Waterloo. She was a 1948 graduate of Waterloo East High School. She went on to Pitze’s Beauty School in Waterloo and worked for a short time as a beautician. On February 3, 1951 she married the love of her life; Raphael (Ray) C. Wester, in Waterloo, IA. In 1968 they moved into the former Catholic Church Parsonage in La Porte City, because it was large enough for her family. Gerry was blessed with nine children and managed to meet all their needs.
She was known for her caring heart, and openness to help others. Even though she had nine children to care for she found time to volunteer throughout the community and her church. For many years she served on the Parent Teachers Association (PTA) Committee, as a Girl Scout and Boy Scout Leader, and a member of St. Catherine’s Circle and The Rosary Society at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in La Porte City. She often made donations to the food pantry, church, and clothing drives. Taking care of her family was always her priority. Even though her children were grown in her later years, she often had them and her grandchildren on her mind.
Gerry is survived by her children Delores Wester, Waterloo, IA, Mary Wester, Nashville, TN, Tom (Linda) Wester, Virginia Beach, VA, Joel Wester, Waterloo, IA, Andrea (Tom) Huston, Independence, IA, June (Mike) Bartlett, Waterloo, IA, Richard (Rene) Wester, Liberal, KS, Ruth Wester, Independence, IA, and Geri (Don Murtha) Wester, Victor, IA, 17 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren and 6 great great grandchildren, a brother, Francis Murphy Jr., Waterloo, IA, and many nieces and nephews.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Ray Wester, her parents; Francis J. and Loretta F. (Kruse) Murphy, two sisters; Rosetta Haugen, and Anita Aries, and a brother, LaVerne Murphy.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 AM on Saturday February 1, 2020, at St. John’s Catholic Church, 209 5th Ave NE, Independence, IA, with Rev. David Beckman presiding. Burial will be held at Westview Cemetery, La Porte City, IA. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 PM with a 5 PM Rosary and a 7 PM Parish Vigil Service on Friday January 31, 2020 at the Reiff Family Center – Funeral Home & Crematory, 216 3rd Ave SE, Independence, IA.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice, 801 First St. E., Independence, IA 50644 or St. John’s Catholic Church, 209 5th Ave NE, Independence, IA 50644.