Geraldine “Jerry” Wise

Geraldean “Jerry” Wise, 85, of Sabula, Iowa, passed away on Monday, December 8, 2025 at HallMar Village in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Jerry was born on April 7, 1940, in Clinton, Iowa, to Clarence Kindred and Margaret Patterson. She made her home in Sabula, Iowa, where she lived her entire life. On August 14, 1954, she married David Wise, and as a couple they shared 65 years together. Side by side, they raised three children—Ken, Debra, and Valerie. Jerry dedicated her life to caring for her family and her home.

Jerry was known for her love of sweets and her talent for baking. She found joy in sharing her homemade treats with those she loved. In her later years, she spent countless happy hours with her best friend, Mary, cruising around the island in a red convertible. Together, the pair—fondly known as the modern-day Thelma and Louise—attended Weight Watchers meetings, though they both would admit they preferred skipping out for lunch and a cold margarita instead. Jerry was an enthusiastic fan of the Iowa Hawkeye football team and both the men’s and women’s basketball teams. She especially loved cheering on Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever. Most days, you could find her enjoying Grit, classic Westerns, or Hallmark Christmas movies.

Jerry was a devoted grandmother to her eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. She loved cheering them on—whether at football games, basketball courts, baseball fields, dance recitals, or music performances. She shared a special bond with her great-granddaughter, Mayzie, who lovingly nicknamed her “Gigi.”

Jerry is survived by her children:

• Ken (Nina) Wise of Edwards, Colorado

• Debra (Max) Hilton of North Liberty, Iowa

• Valerie (Jeff) Adcock of North Liberty, Iowa

Grandchildren: Michael (Geneiva) Hilton; Erin Hilton; Sarah (Clint) Conklin; Chris (Jordan) Wise; Kelsey Wise; Spencer Wise; Bryson Adcock; and Brayden Adcock.

Great-grandchildren: Kaden Hilton, Callen Conklin, and Mayzie Conklin.

She is also survived by her brothers Ben and Linn Kindred, and Bill, Jim, and John Johnson, as well as her dear friend, Mary House.

She was preceded in death by her husband, David Wise; her parents; and her brother, Joe.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, December 21, from 1:00–3:00 p.m. at Law Jones Funeral Home in Savanna, Illinois. A graveside service will be held in the spring at Evergreen Cemetery in Sabula, Iowa.

Jerry lived a long, full life—stubborn, sassy, and strong until the very end. For the past two years, she bravely battled dementia, a heartbreaking disease. Though watching her decline was difficult, her family finds comfort in knowing she is now at peace.

The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Keystone Place at Forevergreen in North Liberty for helping Jerry feel at home during the past two years. They also wish to acknowledge the staff of HallMar Village and Suncrest Hospice Care for their outstanding dedication, compassion, and support throughout Jerry’s final days.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Suncrest Hospice in Cedar Rapids, Iowa in honor of Jerry Wise.