Gerald Raymond Zahradnik "Jerry" passed away in his home with his family by his side on May 19, 2015 at 74 years of age after a courageous battle against cancer. The family will greet friends from 3:00 until 7:00 pm on Thursday, May 21, 2015 at Brosh Chapel, located at 2121 Bowling Street SW. Celebration of Life Services will be held on Friday, May 22, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at Brosh Chapel. Burial will follow in Rogers Grove Cemetery near Ely. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Frank and Jessie (Booth) Zahradnik. Survivors include his wife Rae Ellen (Waldeck) Zahradnik, his four sons Douglas M. Zahradnik, Daniel (Cheryl) Zahradnik, Dean (Shelly) Zahradnik and David (Adrianna) Zahradnik; his seven grandchildren Gabrielle, Noah, Taylor, Reed, Will, Blake and Zach. Survivors also include his brothers Robert (Barb) Zahradnik, Norman (Terry) Zahradnik and Carl (Barb) Zahradnik and his extended children and grandchildren Kleber (Neila), Bruno and Mila Vallim of Brazil and Larissa Weyns of Belgium. Jerry was born on October 20, 1940 in Cedar Rapids. He is a graduate of Jefferson High School and Iowa State University. On July 6, 1963 he married Rae Ellen Waldeck in Andover, New York. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church near Ely. Jerry founded Vector Corporation in 1972 and employed hundreds of area workers and considered them his extended family. He served on numerous civic organizations including being a charter member of the Sunrise Rotary. He was also a member of both the Marion and Lisbon Economic Development organizations. Jerry had many hobbies including attending the numerous events of his grandchildren, restoring vintage John Deere tractors, participating in vintage tractor rides around the Midwest, wintering in California and golfing with his many friends. Jerry was a business and community leader, a humanitarian and a loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed by many but never forgotten. The family would like to thank Dr. Thomas Warren and the Oncology department at PCI, Unity Point Hospice and HomeChoice Senior Care for their support. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Unity Point Hospice in memory of Jerry.