Gerald Leroy Zelinsky

Gerald Leroy Zelinsky, 87, of Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, formerly of Terril, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, February 2, 2025, at a local Hot Springs nursing home and rehab center. 

Jerry was born on December 14, 1937, in Estherville, Iowa to the late Mable (Luehring) and Roy Zelinsky. When Jerry was a very young boy, the doctor said his pure blonde hair made him look like a little "Swede" and the nickname was with him for the rest of his life.  Jerry / Swede shared many warm memories of his childhood growing up in the Terril area with his parents, brother, Jim and sister, Janice. 

In April of 1957, Jerry / Swede married his High School sweetheart, Geraldine Eckley. They made their home in Terril and were blessed with three children: Bradley, Brian, and Kristal. Jerry and Geraldine bought Zelinsky Service Center from his father and ran it as a full-service gas station until selling it in 2007. Jerry loved camping, fishing, going for long walks and everything outdoors. He drove school bus for many years and was very supportive of all of his children's activities. He always had time for his kids and could throw a wicked roundhouse curveball.  

Jerry was involved in many Terril community activities. He served on the City Council, was on the Fire Department for 29 years, and he and Geraldine were very active members at Immanuel Lutheran Church sharing their lives in Christ with their children.  Geraldine once wrote, one of the children asked Swede if they had to go to church. He calmly responded, "No, you don't have to go to church, you get to go to church". The question was never asked again. 

In 2000, Jerry / Swede and Gerry retired and moved to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas. There they were active members of Faith Lutheran Church where Jerry enjoyed singing in the full choir and also the Men of Faith men's choir. 

Jerry is survived by his son Brian (Connie) Zelinsky, his daughter Kris (Jeff) Schutz, Brad's widow, Brenda Zelinsky, his brother, Jim (Katherine) Zelinsky, his sister Janice (Richard) Endicott. Jerry was blessed and is survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, extended family and countless friends.

Funeral Services were held at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Terril, Iowa on February 22, 2025.

The family request that when you think of Jerry / Swede, you smile. "A life well lived deserves to be well remembered."