Gerald Reed Willis

Davenport, IA Funeral services for Gerald “Gerry” R. Willis, 90, of Bettendorf, will be 10:00 am on Tuesday at the Moline Church of Christ, Moline. Burial will follow at the Rock Island National Cemetery, Rock Island. Family will greet friends on Monday from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Cunnick-Collins Mortuary, Davenport. Cunnick-Collins Mortuary and Cremation Service assisting family with arrangements.Gerry passed away on Friday, October 21, 2011, at the Iowa Masonic Nursing Home, Bettendorf.Gerald Reed Willis was born on July 25, 1921 in Mankato, MN, the son of James and Ellen (Erickson) Willis. He married Gladys Sulflow on December 11, 1948. He graduated from Mankato High School in 1939, attended Mankato State University from 1939-1941, he also attended the University of Minnesota from 1941-1942 when he was called into the service. He served in the U.S. Army from 1942-1945. Upon his discharge he returned to the University of Minnesota where he obtained his degree in Electrical Engineering, graduating in 1948. He was employed by the Mayo Clinic in the Engineering Section for 12 years. He had a part in designing the first heart-lung machine. In 1961 he became an employee of IBM, retiring in 1984.He was a member of the Electrical and Electronic Engineers and was on the Board of Trustees at York College in York, NE. for many years. He was instrumental in founding the House of Compassion, which provides rent free lodging for people who seek medical care in Rochester. Survivors include his wife, Gladys of Bettendorf, his son; Steve of Bettendorf and his special grandson Mark, of Iowa City.He will be remembered as a loving husband, father and grandfather with a kind and loving heart.Memorials may be made to the Moline Church of Christ, Moline or The House of Compassion, 840 W. Center St., Rochester, MN 55902.Online condolences may be expressed to the family by visiting www.cunnick-collins.com