Rev. Jeffrey Thomas Liddy (1952-2020)

LIDDY

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 5/16/2020 at 08:49:34

The Rev. Jeffrey Thomas Liddy 1952-2020
Life is somewhat like a jigsaw puzzle. It seems to be a colorful collection of
pieces shaped by all of our encounters on this earthly journey.
On January 11, 1952, Jeffrey Thomas Liddy firmly placed his first piece on
the board, slightly nudging aside the puzzle pieces of his two willful sisters.
Eventually, Jeff found himself at Central High School in Davenport, Iowa
where debate, drama and serving as the student council president started
to create a discernible picture. However, it was across the street at Trinity
Episcopal Cathedral where he was drawn to worship and youth group that
laid the foundational piece of the puzzle that would become his life's work.
Continuing a family tradition, Jeff graduated from the University of Iowa
with a communications degree. He went on to receive a Master of Divinity
at Seabury Western Theological Seminary in Chicago
(now Bexley Seabury).

Jeff’s journey as a Priest in the Episcopal Church, a member of the
worldwide Anglican Communion, began as Vicar in the Diocese of Iowa to
three small mission parishes ~ Albia, Centerville and Chariton. Later, he
received a call to serve in the Diocese of Southwest Florida as Assistant to
the Rector at Church of the Ascension in Clearwater.
As Rector, Jeff served in the Diocese of Kansas at St. John's Episcopal
Church in Wichita and the Diocese of Chicago at St. John's Episcopal
Church in Naperville. Prior to his retirement Father Jeff served additional
positions on the East Coast and at Grace Church in Hinsdale, IL. Many are
remembering Father Jeff as one who called them to God, walked beside
them in difficult times and celebrated life’s finest moments.
In the last 6 months of his life, Jeff adopted Winston Churchill’s infamous
phrase ~ “Keep Buggerin’ On” or “KBO”. It was said and exchanged
numerous times between him and his daughters. This favorite phrase is
one they will treasure and always remember.
Jeff approached life with a colorful and witty repartee, but always with a
sincere attention to caring for family, friends, confidants, congregants and
strangers in need. He had a wonderfully infectious laugh and a beautiful
tenor voice that shone as he raised it in worship and song to the Lord.
However, the voice that spoke the loudest was his warm caring heart,
willing ear and teaching of God's Word that touched the lives of so many.
Jeff's passing in Loveland, CO on Good Friday, April 10, 2020, ends the
work of his life's puzzle here on earth. Now he is in a place where the
puzzle is eternal and filled with everlasting love and joy. There are no
corner pieces or edges or conundrums. There is just one place for every
piece....at Jesus’ feet.

Jeff leaves behind two beautiful daughters and a granddaughter who all
warmed his heart and brought him great joy: Katherine Ann Woodman, her
husband Jesse and their daughter Eleni (Ellie) Jane of Greeley, CO,
followed by daughter Jane Andrle Liddy of Naperville, IL. He also leaves
behind two older sisters: Jalayne Riewerts, her husband, Kent, followed by
Janifer Ruhl, her husband Ron, along with numerous loved nieces,
nephews, cousins, dear friends and his dog Max. Jeff will join his parents
Bob and Jane Liddy, his grandparents and a hysterical collection of aunts
and uncles who are all excitedly sounding the trumpets at his arrival as he
sings his way home to his Savior.

Jeff ’s final resting place will be in Riverside Cemetary, Anamosa, Iowa.
Fond memories of childhood summers with his beloved grandmother,
Agnes Andrle Liddy and attending The Great Jones County Fair were a
source of long lasting joy for Jeff.

A memorial service to honor and celebrate his life will be announced at a
later date.

Goettsch Funeral Home in Anamosa, Iowa will be handling arrangements.
Memorial gifts and condolences to his family will be received at:
Goettsch Funeral Home
306 East First Street
Anamosa, Iowa 52205
Phone (319) 465-3535
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