Gerald Edward Hart

Spokane, WA

Gerald Edward Hart, 84, of Spokane, WA, passed away peacefully October 4, 2008 at Colonial Court in Spokane, WA. He was bom September 22, 1924 in Havelock, Iowa. Gerald (Jerry), like millions of other Americans, dropped out of high school to join the Army Air Corps during World War II. He served overseas and was shot down over France in his first mission. Gerald survived World War II, earned his GED and entered college at Iowa State.

While a student at Iowa State he met Dorothy the love of his life for nearly 60 years. Jerry and Dorothy were married on September 3rd, 1949 in Des Moines, Iowa. Jerry started his career as an aerospace engineer at Solar Aircraft Company in Des Moines, Iowa. Soon, however, he would move his family to California where he worked for Lockheed for the next 28 years and where they raised their four children. Jerry was always very proud that he was the lead engineer on the project that developed the black protective tiles for the space shuttle.

Jerry was actively involved in Archbishop Mitty Catholic High School activities, social events, and fundraising programs. Dorothy and Jerry became truly part of the life and culture of the Mitty Family.

An integral part of Jerry and Dorothy's life together was square dancing, skiing, tennis, and golf. In their retirement years, they enjoyed life in Mesa, AZ and Arnold, CA. They continued their love of t raveling in their motor home, as well as many cruises, and touring Europe.

Gerald was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy of Spokane, WA on July 29, 2008. Jerry is survived by five brothers and one sister, Kenneth, Donald, Eugene, Mary Anholt, Homer Smothers and Robert Smothers. Jerry was preceded in death by two brothers, Leo and Edmund. He is survived by son Daryl Hart and wife Cathy of Spokane, WA; daughter Teresa Hart of Folsom, CA; son Tim Hart of Maricopa, AZ; and son David Hart and wife Sandy of San Jose, CA; Granddaughters Lauren Morsell of Spokane, WA; Michelle Slagel of Twin Falls, ID, Jennifer Hart of San Francisco, CA, Kelly Hart of Tucson, AZ, Grandsons Jake Wines of Carlin, NV; Stephen Hart of Tor-rington, WY; Jeff Hart of Phoenix, AZ; Andy Wines of Lamoille, NV; Patrick Hart of San Jose, CA; Michael Hart of San Jose, CA; Great-Grandchildren Zachary and Hannah Morsell of Spokane, WA; Jack Wines of Carlin, NV; and Wyatt Wines of Lamoille, NV.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, October 10th at 1 1 a.m. at Queen of Apostles Catholic Church, 4950 Moorpark Ave, San Jose, CA. Internment services will be at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery, Los Altos, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations in Gerald's name may be sent to Hospice of Spokane, 121 S. Arthur, PO Box 2215 Spokane, WA 99210.

The Des Moines Register (Des Moines, Iowa), 08 Oct 2008, Wed, Page 8, Gerald Edward Hart Obituary, Newspapers.com (https://www.newspapers.com/image/131073684/?article=9f1e1739-fdb7-42c4-ac38-57f655d7df73 [subscription required] : accessed 9 April 2021)

Transcribed Obituary Posted to Ancestry.com 22 May 2017 by lindah6653