Jerry Wadden

Jerry Michael Wadden, 85, was born on May 11, 1938, and died peacefully on January 5, 2024, in Des Moines, IA, of longstanding congestive heart failure. His last days were spent in the compassionate care of hospice workers at EveryStep Kavanagh where his wife and daughter were able to talk, listen, and hold his hands until he took his last breath. Before going to hospice, he spent a month in the care of many devoted Mercy One nurses, CNAs, and doctors who will remember him as a kind and grateful patient.

Jerry leaves behind a legacy of integrity, intelligence, reliability, and thoughtfulness. Over the years, he was recognized with numerous accolades, but he was proudest of his roles as a steadfast loving husband, father, trusted brother, and friend.

He graduated from North High School and worked at The Des Moines Register to pay for college at Drake University where he later earned a master’s degree in English. He was a revered educator at Tech, East, Merrill, and Hoover. His students remember him as a captivating and fiercely dedicated teacher who cared for them like family. He found his calling in teaching, and his light continues to shine through the many lives he touched. After teaching for 35 years, he took a leadership position as supervisor of Language Arts, and finally as Chief Academic Officer for the Des Moines Public Schools where his impact was legendary.

Jerry was respected in the local community and was an engaged mentor to many. The week before he was hospitalized, he continued to help retirees choose insurance plans, something he had done for more than 10 years while volunteering with SHIIP. In his later years, he enthusiastically learned to cook and had fun serving others, especially his wife Marilynn. He also looked forward to lunches with longtime dear friends, laughing with family and neighbors, and reminiscing with former students and colleagues. Jerry was an avid reader of newspapers, magazines, and books until the last weeks of his life.

He appreciated vacationing in many states and countries with family. Travel was his favorite way for them to bond. Most wouldn't know that he had an adventurous streak, especially after surviving a sudden cardiac death incident in 1999. He fearlessly ziplined, rode elephants, climbed the Sydney Harbor Bridge, explored national parks, and skied Colorado mountains. In their retirement, Jerry and Marilynn appreciated the opportunity to explore faraway places and embraced world travel. They took many of their trips after the death of their beloved son Bill to help them deal with their grief. But the main reason Jerry was able to accept the sadness was because Marilynn was by his side and because of their daughter Leigh’s beautiful soul, spirit, and patience over the years.

Jerry leaves behind a loving family including his wife of 61 years, Marilynn; daughter Leigh Wadden (Michael) of Frisco, CO; bonus grandson Dylan Berwyn of Bozeman, MT; brother Steven (Sue) Wadden; nephews Jeff Wadden (Kelly), Mike Wadden (Misty), Matt (Tiffany) Grant; nieces Madeline (Brian) Crandell, Rachel (Justin) Wonders, Rebecca Grant (Joe); cousins Randy (Gayleen) Warren, Peggy Bailey (Scottie); and many great-nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by infant daughter Julie Michelle and son William Grant Wadden; parents Don and Florine Wadden; parents-in-law Harry and Dorothy Grant; aunt Opal (Bill) Warren; and brother-in-law Gary Grant. If Jerry were writing this, he would include the many adored cats and dogs that enriched his life.

Jerry supported several charities, especially Animal Rescue League, Salvation Army, and Hope Ministries. He would be honored if you wanted to contribute to one of them in his memory. The family held a private visitation in January and invites you to the public memorial service at Des Moines Botanical Garden at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, May 3, 2024. Please visit hamiltonsfuneralhome.com to share your memories and stories about Jerry.

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