Jerry Eberhardt
Jerry Eberhardt, 66, left this world for a new world on Dec. 10, 2023.
Visitation was Sunday, Dec. 17, at Morris Funeral Home in Garnavillo and before services at the church.
Funeral services were Monday, Dec. 18, at Zion Lutheran Church in Clayton Center.
Burial was at Clayton Center Cemetery, in Clayton Center.
Jerry was born on March 15, 1957, after three daughters, a son to Myrna (Donnan) and Floyd Eberhardt. Jerry grew up on the family farm near Garnavillo and graduated from Garnavillo High School in 1975. Jerry worked various jobs in Garnavillo, Guttenberg and McGregor. He was dependable and a hard worker, taking pride in a job well done.
Jerry loved fishing and enjoying nature, especially at Ronnie and Mary’s pond where he spent many happy hours. Every spring, Jerry would hunt for morel mushrooms and generously share his bounty. Jerry was an avid Hawkeye fan and followed them closely. He was a regular attendee at the monthly square dances in Gays Mills and a welcomed dancer. Jerry always had his eye on the weather and kept us informed of impending weather events.
Jerry was a lifelong and faithful member of Zion Lutheran Church in Clayton Center. His faith was strong and he served the church as president of the council for many years until his death. Family was very important to Jerry. He loved family get-togethers and loved seeing his nieces and nephews performing in musicals, theater, sports and graduations. Jerry had a keen interest in genealogy and was in the process of compiling a detailed history of his family. He was a keeper of knowledge and told interesting and funny stories about our ancestors. Jerry knew exactly where many of them were buried throughout Iowa and Illinois.
Most importantly, Jerry was a caring and honest individual. He had a tender heart and a kind soul. Jerry rooted for the underdog and deplored injustices. He will be dearly missed.
He is survived by his twin sisters, Jean (Chuck) Heaney and Jane Keeley and his sister, Sara (Scott) Jensen; nieces and nephews, Ken (Carly) Hoeger, Lisa Hoeger, Ann Cutler, Carl Hoeger, Keefe (Cedarose) Keeley, Kyle Keeley, Kait Keeley, Brian Heaney, Carrie Heaney, Karissa Jensen, Isaak Jensen, Makenna Jensen, Sophia Jensen; great-nieces and nephews, Kendra (Jerry) Schawb, Kari (Brody) Mizell, Kolton Heaney and Skyla Jane Keeley; great-great-nieces and nephews, Oliver and Allis Schawb and Archer Mizell; and many extended family members.
Jerry was preceded in death by his maternal and paternal grandparents; his parents and his sister, Amy Hoeger.
In lieu of flowers and memorials, please donate to the Zion Lutheran Church, Clayton Center.
Information is available at www.morrisfuneralhomes.com. Memorials may be sent to Morris Funeral Home (in care of the deceased), 207 S. First St., Guttenberg, IA 52052.
