Geraldine "Gerry" Day

Geraldine “Gerry” Theresa Day, age 86, of Hawarden, Iowa, passed away peacefully on October 27, 2025. A Celebration of Gerry’s Life will be held Saturday, November 1, at 11:00 AM at American Lutheran Church ELCA with Pastor Kandi Anderson officiating. Inurnment will follow the service at Grace Hill Cemetery of Hawarden.

   Gerry was born in Hawarden, Iowa on March 17, 1939, to Louis and Ila Kemner. Gerry grew up on their farm near Hawarden helping with all the farm chores. She was surrounded by family, laughter, and all the simple joys she cherished most.

   Gerry married Melvin Driver, who was a military man, at the age of 18. Together they traveled around the country and overseas as they raised their four children: Jackie McMillan, Corwin Driver, Vicki Mason, and Thomas Driver. She spent many of her retirement years doing the things she loved with her dear friend Rozy.

   She was known for her warm heart, and the way she brought everyone together, especially around the holidays, where her famous mashed potatoes were loved by everyone. A woman of many talents, Gerry found great joy in traveling, country dancing, making quilts, and reading novels. Gerry was an avid reader, easily reading two or three books a week sometimes. She continued to read right up until she passed.

   She loved country music and Elvis Presley. One of her favorite songs was Love me tender…love me true, all my dreams fulfilled…

   Gerry left a mark on everyone who knew her. She was blessed with seven grandchildren and fifteen great-grandchildren, all of whom adored their “Grandma Day”. They will carry her spirit forward in their hearts. Her family and friends will remember her as a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, whose warmth and love stitched their family together as beautifully as one of her quilts.

   Gerry, to everyone’s surprise, even changed her feelings about dogs when she met Daisy, Vicki’s Sheepa-doodle. They came to be fast friends and companions. She came to let Daisy lick her hands and even a kiss on her face sometimes. Daisy visited her at Brookstone Manor almost every day giving her great comfort.

   Gerry is survived by her sisters, Carol Bolluyt, and Linda (John) Higgins; children, Jackie McMillan, Corwin (LaVonda) Driver, Vicki Mason and Thomas Driver; grandchildren, Katherine Feltman (Jon), Nicholas Moothart (Haley), Anthony Gambaiana (Kim), Joseph Gambaiana (Erin), Julia McGuigan (Matt), and Tamara Driver; and 15 great grandchildren, Charlie, Chance, Lou, Sam, Grace, Rocco, Lennon, Shawn, Leo, Addisyn, Boomer, Birdie, Ace, Kaydren and Keondre.

   Gerry was preceded in death by her parents; special friend, LaVerle “Rozy” Rozell; brother, Stanley Kemner; brother-in-law, Dean Bolluyt; sons-in-law; Larry McMillan and Shawn Mason; and grandson, Brian Lynott.