Jerry Dean Meyer was born March 26, 1945, in Alta, Iowa, the son of Ronald and Edna (Linquist) Meyer. He graduated from the Alta High School in May 1963 and attended 2 winter terms at Iowa State University in Agriculture. In 1965 Jerry enlisted in the Army National Guard in Cherokee, Iowa where he was a member for 6 years. On May 13th of 1968 his unit was activated. He served in Vietnam from April of 1969 to August of 1969. He followed his passion of farming and joined the family business upon his return.
Jerry married Jeanine Van Wyhe on August 7, 1971, at the First Presbyterian Church in Alta. They were blessed with three sons: Brent, Todd and Scott.
Jerry had many hobbies and interests which included the VFW, Veterans Affairs of Buena Vista County, and the Buena Vista Raceway. Jerry served as post commander for the Alta VFW. While participating as the B. V. Raceway Promoter, he was also an active member of the B.V. County Fair Board for several years. After retiring from the raceway, he still frequented with his family or friends for a night of relaxation. Jerry spent the majority of his later years trucking for both himself as well as others. During the last 6 years he pursed his love of antique tractors. He was an active member of the Northwest Iowa Two-Cylinder Club in which he served two terms as a director. When he was not busy with other jobs, he was constantly finding tasks to do on the farm. Everywhere he went he managed to always find time to chat with others and see how their lives were going. He had a way of making other people smile and laugh with his infectious humor.
Jerry passed away late Wednesday, January 9, 2013 at the Buena Vista Regional Medical Center. He was preceded in death by his parents Ronald and Edna, his infant brother Roger and his brother-in-law Cal Johnson.
Those left to honor his memory are his wife, Jeanine Meyer of Alta, Iowa; his three sons Brent (Lynn) of Alta, Todd (Nikki) of Newell, and Scott (Katie) of Alta; two brothers, Lee (Becky) Meyer of Alta, and Tom Meyer of Des Moines; one sister Joy Johnson of Cedar Falls; many grandchildren Kimberly and Corey Meyer of Iowa City; Gillian (Jorran) Beebe of Colo, Michael Schroeder of Alta; Brendan Crampton, Emily and Cailey Meyer of Alta; Jayden and Karson Seaver of Newell; three great grandchildren, Madalyn and Kashton Beebe, and Paige Solie all of Colo; and many other family members and close friends. Jerry will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
Visitation:
A visitation will be held on Sunday, January 13, 2013 from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM at the Nicklas D. Jensen Funeral Home of Alta.
Funeral:
A funeral service will be held on Monday, January 14, 2013 at 10:30 AM at the First Presbyterian Church of Alta with the Rev. Craig Lee officiating.
Burial:
Burial will be at the Elk Township Cemetery of Alta with military rites conducted by the Alta VFW Post 6172 of Alta.