Jerry Eugene Little

Jerry Eugene Little

Jerry Eugene Little
April 9, 1950 – April 17, 2018
Montezuma, Iowa | Age 68
Served With Honor ~ United States Military Veteran

Jerry Eugene Little, 68, of Montezuma, IA passed away Tuesday, April 17, 2018 at his home in the comforting arms of his loving wife Kathy. Jerry was born April 9, 1950 in Oskaloosa, IA to Gerald and Barbara Roorda Little.

Jerry grew up in Barnes City, IA, where he spent time living both on the farm and in town. On February 3, 1966, while still in high school, Jerry attended a party for a close friend. It was here where he met Kathy Jack, and began the first chapter of a story that would see them by each other’s side for over fifty years.

Jerry attended school in Barnes City through 8th grade before finishing high school in North Mahaska, graduating with the class of 1968.

Shortly after graduation, Jerry and Kathy began their life together as Mr. and Mrs. Little. They were married in the Barnes City Methodist Church at 2:00 p.m. on August 25, 1968 and moved to the farm on Ewart Road.

They worked side by side for 49 years, 7 months and 3 days to make this house their home, ending every evening with a goodnight kiss. They soon began their family, became the loving parents to three children: Jeff, Mark, and Julie.

Jerry worked as a farmer for himself and with family. He had a passion for the farm and everything that came with it. He raised his children on the principles of hard work and the value of your word. He wasn’t afraid to tackle any project from construction, to welding and repair. While farming, he also began working for HW Brand in Grinnell, where he spent 25 years as a welder.

There was always work to be done but Jerry cherished his time with his hunting group during deer and coyote season. Every summer the family would make memories on the annual trip to Leech Lake in Minnesota or sitting around the campfire at Red Rock. Jerry enjoyed riding his bike and the many friends he made during his thirteen years participating in Ragbrai. After retiring from farming and HW Brand he would spend his winters surrounded by family and friends in Arizona.

Jerry spent six years in the Army Nation Guard and was a member of the Knights of Pythias and the Montezuma American Legion Post 169. He had a gift for socializing, and the relationships that he developed with so many people lasted throughout his life. As time went by, and Jerry became a grandfather, his love for family only continued to grow. He was able to give driving lessons to the grandchildren down the pasture lane and made sure to have malts and popcorn ready for their visit. He made time to attend their events and support them in whatever their passion was. Jerry always put others first and his world revolved around his family.

As Jerry’s health began to decline, he and Kathy moved to their new home in Montezuma. During their three weeks there, he found comfort in the pride that he had in his family and the love that they had for him. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be deeply missed by his family, and those lucky enough to call him friend.

Left to share his story is his loving wife, Kathy Little of Montezuma, IA; three children: Jeff (& Jo) Little of Montezuma, IA, Mark (& Melissia) Little of Oskaloosa, IA and Julie (& Brian) Cline of Montezuma, IA; seven grandchildren: Jack and Jared Little, MaKennah and Spencer Little, and Abbi, Alyssa, and Alivia Cline; one sister, Nancy Walker of New Sharon, IA; as well as many extended family and a host of friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; and three siblings: Larry Little, Virginia Darland, and Gerald Dean Little II.

Funeral services will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 21, 2018 at the Community Hope Church in Montezuma, IA with Pastor Austin Young officiating.
Burial, with military honors, will be held immediately following the service in the Pleasant Township Cemetery in Ewart, IA.
Visitation will begin at noon on Friday, April 20, 2018 at the Community Hope Church in Montezuma with the family present to greet friends from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m.
Memorial contributions in Jerry’s honor may be directed to the Montezuma Volunteer Fire Department or the Grinnell Regional Medical Center Hospice.

Friends may sign the online guestbook at www.hollandcoblefuneralhome.com.