Russell Gere

Russell Keith Gere, 77, passed away April 1, 2022 in Des Moines, Iowa due to complications from a traffic accident that occurred in October 2020. Formerly of Adair County, Greenfield, Iowa, Russ was born to Loraine and Dorothy Maxine Gere on April 8, 1944. He graduated from Greenfield High School in 1962 and attended Drake University. In his younger years, Russ worked alongside his parents farming. Russ was a professional musician all his life. He mastered many musical instruments and music genres. His instruments of choice were the tenor, alto, and soprano saxophone and preferred genre was jazz. He performed in hundreds of venues across the country with the likes of Tom Jones, Wayne Cochrane and C.C. Riders, Sam Salomone, Dick Oates, Charo and Xavier Cugat, the Des Moines Big Band, and Flipside. But some of his fondest memories were performing with the L. M. Gere Orchestra led by his father and with his mother playing the piano. In 2019, Russ was inducted with the band Flipside into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. He was proud his son Nathan continues the family musical legacy as a cellist. While playing a gig in Detroit, he met Sandra Laura. Russ and Sandi were united in marriage in 1980. Russ is survived by son Nathan Russell (Karla Garcia), sister Jo Ann (Ron) Smith, brother Ted Gere, brother-in-law Bud (Barb) Laura, brother-in-law Robert Laura, cousin Larry Anderson, special caregivers Bruce Nosbusch and Jim Cushing, and many other family members and friends. Russ never knew a stranger. Everyone liked Russ and his interesting stories about growing up in rural Iowa and traveling as a gifted musician. He was preceded in death by his parents and wife Sandi (2018). In honor of Russ and to prevent future tragedies, his family and friends remind everyone: Don’t drive and text! A mass of Christian burial will be held 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 9, 2022 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Des Moines. Visitation will occur one hour prior to the service. Interment will occur at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to Habitat for Humanity, Taylor House Hospice, or Christ the King Catholic Church.