Gerald A. Maxwell

Gerald A. Maxwell

North Liberty

Gerald A. Maxwell, 78, of North Liberty, died peacefully on February 28, 2025 at home. Gerry’s loving wife of 52 years, Mary, was at his side and he was surrounded by family. Gerry died after over 10 years of fighting multiple health difficulties, many related to Agent Orange exposure, including Lewy Body Dementia and Parkinson’s Disease. Gerry was cared for at home by his wife and children. Throughout his disease, there were glimpses of Gerry’s humor and wit.

Gerry was born on October 16, 1946 in Des Moines, Iowa, the son of Edna Swanson and Owen Maxwell. He grew up in Fairfield and graduated from Fairfield High School in 1966. Gerry enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1966 and served one year in Vietnam as an Infantry Combat Medic with the Americal Division, 198th Light Infantry Brigade, 1/52nd Infantry Battalion Medics, Bravo Company. He was honorably discharged in 1969 after completing his three-year enlistment.

After Vietnam, Gerry moved to Long Beach, California with good friends, attended Long Beach City College and worked at Long Beach Community Hospital. After returning to Iowa, Gerry met and later married Mary White on December 29, 1972 at Barhydt Chapel, Parsons College, Fairfield, Iowa. They recently celebrated their 52nd Anniversary. Gerry graduated from Kirkwood Community College in 1974 with an AAS Degree in Respiratory Therapy. He was employed as a Registered Respiratory Therapist for 39 years including at the Iowa City VA Medical Center; Moline Public Hospital; and for 33 of those years at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, retiring in 2012 as a Senior Respiratory Therapist.

Gerry is survived by his wife Mary; son Adam Maxwell, daughter Emily Maxwell Englert (Toby), and daughter Amanda Maxwell; grandson Sylus Englert; 4 sisters: Margie Maxwell; Sandy Maxwell; Leigh Ann Chacey; and Julie Peasley; sister-in-law Karolyn White; nieces Wendi White, Amy Pitt, and nephew Jeff White ; and great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; his parents-in-law, Roscoe and Eunice White; his brother-in-law Mike White; and his stepfather and brother.

Gerry’s family extends heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Georgina Aldridge, Lewy Body Clinic, University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics, for her caring kindness and excellent medical care in navigating through Gerry’s health difficulties over the past few years. We will be forever grateful to Dr. Aldridge. The family also wishes to thank former Mercy Iowa City Physician Dr. John Kelly; Iowa City VA Physicians Dr. Margo Schilling and Dr. Deema Fatal; others at Iowa City VA including Kerry Gundlach, Whole Health Program; Care in the Community; Caregiver Support; and Gary Boseneiler, formerly of Johnson County Veteran’s Affairs. A very special thank-you to Janel Sieren who helped care for Gerry for over 4 years; to Marcie Durian, Tiffany and each of Gerry’s Iowa City Pathways family, Johnson County Seats, Compassus Hospice and Amada Senior Care.

No formal service is planned, but Gerry’s family appreciates your kind prayers and thoughts. A celebration of life may be held at a later date. A private family graveside service with Military Honors will be held at a later date.

Memorial donations for research can be made in Gerry Maxwell’s name to: Center for Neurodegeneration Fund, Fund #: 30491056, c/o University of Iowa Center for Advancement, One West Park Road, Iowa City, IA 52242.