Jerry Wadden
May 11, 1938 — January 05, 2024
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.
Maureen Ogle
01/11/2024
To me, he was Super Teacher. (HHS '71.)
Tom Hadden HHS 71
01/11/2024
When class started the fall of my senior year Mr. Wadden was very formal and set out the rules that he expected to be followed. A couple of students chose to leave and find a teacher that was not so demanding.
Boy did they miss out. He was not demanding but inspiring and made learning a great experience. Best teacher ever, during all of my studies at every level. I have fond memories of the class and how he brought great joy to all of us.
Mr. Wadden's life and approach to life are to be held up for the rest of to aspire to.
Thank you Mr. Wadden
Terri (Howland) Dobitz HHS 1975
01/11/2024
Mr. Wadden was my favorite English teacher no, make that favorite teacher, ever. I appreciated his high standards, his professionalism, his patience, his humor.
I still have all the tests, quizzes, and papers from his class because they remind me that high expectations, constructive criticism and the occasional Way to go! are elements that lead students to becoming better writers, communicators, and grammarians. He made you want to do well.
During the Hamlet unit, I remember the day when Mr. Wadden started the class, to our amusement, by explaining that fie was as close to an Elizabethan swear word as you could get. (It was these minor, unexpected interjections that made his classes so special.) A few minutes later, as he was reviewing with us the section about incestuous sheets, the vice principal walked into the classroom. Mr. Wadden stopped talking, turned his head toward the principal, turned his head back toward the class and said, Oh, fie! The entire class burst out laughing, while the vice principal just stood there looking confused.
Thanks, Mr. Wadden, for the finest English education one could ever get. RIP.
Al Brown
01/11/2024
Cyndee Boyvey (Hoover '71) and Al Brown (Hoover '69) fondly recall Mr. Wadden as a favorite English teacher. Mr. Wadden wanted Excellence from his students, but also demonstrated it for himself in the classroom. We enjoyed see him at high school reunions and quoting from "Hamlet". Mr Wadden was a great man who will be missed.