Gerald Hitchings

Former Grundy Center resident, Gerald Hitchings, passed away in Silverdale, Washington on Saturday February 27, 2021 at age 85.

Gerald was born in Melbourne, Iowa on November 13, 1935. He graduated from Fernald High School in Fernald, Iowa in 1954.

Gerald married Meredith McConnell on February 23, 1957. They resided in the Nevada, Iowa area, where Gerald worked for the Nevada Journal. In 1973 they moved to Grundy Center, where he worked for the Spokesman Press and Collectors News. In 1995 they moved to Bremerton, Wash.

Gerald was an avid sports fan and he enjoyed watching his children and grandchildren participate in sports. He was a Chicago Cubs fan through thick and thin. Gerald was also a lifelong supporter of the Iowa Hawkeyes. Gerald loved the mountains and traveling back roads to experience nature and quiet places.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Ellen Hitchings.

Gerald is survived by his wife Meredith of Bremerton, Wash.; daughter LeAnn Backous of Colo, Iowa; son Kerry (Bonnie) of Kent, Washington; son Chris (Jody) of Poulsbo, Wash.; son Kent (Edith) of Belfair, Washington and daughter Dawn Dwyer of Bremerton, Wash.. He is also survived by sisters Marilyn Ruegsegger of West Liberty, Iowa and Marlys (Keith) Allen of Penticton, British Columbia, 11 grandchildren, numerous great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

A family service will be held later in the year. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Gerald’s memory to the Rocky Mountain Conservancy at https://rmconservancy.org/join-or-give/donate/