01/09/2019
Jerry Wayne DeJong was born January 4, 1951, in Oskaloosa, Iowa the son of Donald and Jeannine (Robuck) DeJong.
He was raised in Knoxville and graduated with the Knoxville High School Class of 1969. Following high school, Jerry attended Drake University, in Des Moines, and Indian Hills Community College in Ottumwa.
He graduated with a degree in air traffic control.
On June 10, 1973, Jerry was united in marriage to Kathryn Nelson. To this union, two sons, Aaron and Adam were born. The couple made their first home in Cedar Rapids, Iowa before moving to Aurora, Illinois. Jerry was an air traffic controller in Illinois for 10 years, after which he and Kate returned to Knoxville, Iowa.
Jerry operated a lawn care business in Knoxville and sold and serviced lawnmowers, snowblowers, and other small engine equipment. Before his retirement, he also worked for Paslode in Oskaloosa and DeVore Motors in Knoxville.
In his spare time, Jerry collected sprint cars, football helmets, and model trains. Whether he was working on a building, mowing, or just enjoying nature he enjoyed being outside. Jerry will be remembered as a loving husband and father to his family and a fun-loving character to his friends.
Jerry passed away on Wednesday, January 9, 2019, at his home at the age of 68 years.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Those left to cherish Jerry’s memory include his wife, Kate; sons, Aaron of Knoxville and Adam of Florida; sister, Jan (Tim) Crawford of Florida and many nieces, nephews, and other family members and friends.
A Visitation for Jerry DeJong, age 68 of Knoxville, will be held on Saturday, January 12, 2019, at the Bybee & Davis Funeral Home from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Memorials may be made to Hospice of Pella or to the Marion County Humane Society.