Gerald "Jerry" L. Weir

Gerald L. “Jerry” Weir, 46, of Colona, passed away at his home surrounded by family on Friday, June 2, 2023.  Cremation rites have been accorded and a memorial service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday June 10, 2023, at Vandemore Funeral Homes & Crematory – Geneseo Chapel.  Deacon Robert O’Rourke will officiate.  A memorial visitation will be held from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. following the memorial service on Saturday.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Jerry Weir Memorial Fund. Condolences can be left at www.vandemorefuneralhome.com  

Jerry was born on February 11, 1977, the son of Gerald Weir, Sr. and Dorian Johnson. He spent many of his formative years with his mother and stepfather, Alfred, in Germany. Following a brief time in the US, and graduating high school in Butte, MT, he returned to Germany as a civilian employee of the U.S. Air Force working in hospitality at Spangdahlem Air Force Base. While in Germany, he was married and became a father to his son, Kevin, and his daughter, Kelly. He adored being their father and shared many wonderful stories of their time as young children. He was divorced and moved back to the U.S. in 2012.

He worked for many hotel organizations over more than 20 years, ultimately working as a Travel Manager for Kinseth Hospitality out of Coralville, IA. In this role, he had the unique opportunity to combine his passion for travel with his passion for human connection. Jerry did not know a stranger and made fast friends everywhere he went, often running into prior acquaintances.  His genuine smile and no-nonsense attitude drew people to him, and he had a way to make everyone feel special. Jerry was the eternal optimist, always helping to find the positive in any situation or making a funny comment to lighten the mood.  If he didn’t have a nickname for you or a secret wave, you likely shared an inside joke with him.

In the Spring of 2013, Jerry met his fiancé Jen and quickly became a part of the life she shared with her three children, Sydney, Tyler, and Alex.  When they were engaged in April of 2016, he proudly dubbed himself the “Office of the Husband Elect! Future Mr. Jennifer Weir”. He was actively involved and engaged in all the children’s activities, skilled in finding the right words of encouragement when needed, and never missed a phone call.

Jerry was the proud owner of a Harley Davidson motorcycle, his “mistress” Dottie. He was a member of the Green Knights Military MC, Chapter X, and shared a number of adventures with the club. When he wasn’t on the bike, you could find him at the camper, in front of the grill, or at home relaxing with the cats.

Those left to cherish his memory include his parents, Gerald Weir, Sr. of Butte, MT and Dori (Alfred) Wallenborn of Germany; his fiancé, Jennifer Belanger; children, Kevin and Kelly Weir of Germany, Sydney, Tyler, and Alexander Belanger of Colona; sister, Jeanna (Louie) Cooney of Mesa, AZ; stepsisters, Julia McMullen and Angela Belles of Montana; nieces and nephews; and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by an infant sister, Nicole.