1936-2025
Gerald (Jerry) August Suther, 88, of Panora, passed away Saturday, May 10, 2025, at Featherstone at Hickory Hill Senior Living in Iowa City in the presence of family.
Jerry was born Oct. 29, 1936, the son of Fred and Freda (Tegeler) Suther on a farm north of Frankfort, Kansas. He attended school at Reserville and later at St. Columbkille’s Catholic School in Blaine, Kansas. After graduating high school in 1954, he farmed with his dad, prior to joining the Army Reserves in 1956. He first learned to program computers at Automation, Inc. Tech School in Omaha, helping to launch a long career at Sperry Univac (later called Unisys) from 1962-1991, working as a programmer, systems analyst and district manager across many cities in Nebraska and Iowa. After retiring from Unisys, he worked as a recruiter for a data processing company and drove a limo for Brokers International to keep busy in his retirement years. Jerry married the love of his life, Doretha (Dee) Dekat, on Sept. 5, 1959, at St. Joseph Church in Flush, Kansas.
Inspired by his dad’s singing at home after mass (and the many other musical members of his family), Jerry enjoyed cantering at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church (Perry) and later at St. Cecelia in Panora. One of Jerry’s great joys was composing a song, “Our Heritage,” about his family with his sister, Mary, and her son, Damian Gerstner. He had it copyrighted in 1996.
His Catholic faith has always been very important to him. Jerry was dedicated to the Knights of Columbus, as a member in Blaine, Kansas, as well as Perry and Panora. He joined the Fourth Degree Assembly in Des Moines and was active in the honor guard. He held many leadership roles, including Deputy Grand Knight, Grand Knight and District Deputy.
Besides music and faith, Jerry loved golfing, boating, fishing, hunting and computer puzzles. He enjoyed spending time with family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Jerry is survived by eight children and their spouses: Tim (Peg) Suther of Winnetka, Illinois; Laurie (Mike) Masters of Waverly; Deanne (Curt) Reiter of Ankeny; Pat (Cindy) Suther of Waukee; Jerry (Jodi) Suther of Tiffin; Sheri (Patrick) Thesing of St. Charles, Minnesota; Mike (Kim) Suther of Marion; and Dave (Susan) Suther of Johnston; 26 grandchildren; and 11 great grandchildren. Additionally, he is survived by his brother, Joe, in Williamsburg, Kansas; sisters, Vera Strunk (Wamego, Kansas), Sr. Betty Suther (Concordia, Kansas) and Sr. Eleanor (Atkinson, Kansas); and brother-in law, Alvin Gerstner (Topeka, Kansas).
He was preceded in death by his wife, Doretha; his parents, Fred and Freda Suther; his brother, Ralph Suther; his sister, Mary Gerstner; his grandchildren, Mark and Marie Grebin; and his son-in-law, Jim Grebin.
A rosary service will be held Friday, May 16, 2025, at 9:30 a.m. with visitation starting at 10 a.m. and funeral service at 11 a.m. all at St. Cecilia Catholic Church, Panora. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery, rural Guthrie Center, following the services. Twigg Funeral Home, Panora, is entrusted with his services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Moments Hospice Foundation and St. Cecilia Catholic Church.