Jerry Monroe

Jerry Norman Monroe, 70, of Castalia, Iowa died Thursday, February 28, 2019 at his home following a courageous battle with cancer.  Jerry was born March 24, 1948 to Rueben and June (Allen) Monroe in Decorah, Iowa.  He graduated from South Winn High School.

Jerry was united in marriage with Patricia Reckward on October 8, 1966 at The Little Brown Church in Nashua, Iowa. He worked as a Mechanic at Decorah Implement for many years and then started farming in 1977 full time. Jerry kept life simple and lived off the land.  He ran a small farm, affectionately called “Monroe Village” by family and friends.  Jerry raised beef and dairy cows and also crops throughout his life. He enjoyed teaching his grandchildren how to farm (and to fix farm machinery).  Jerry also loved to go deer hunting, coon hunting and fishing. Jerry also liked to tell a hunting story or 2. Family was the most important to Jerry and he cherished spending time with his grandchildren and going on special hunting adventures with his family and friends.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Patricia “Patty” Monroe of Castalia, Iowa; children, Julie (Matt) Mettille of Decorah, Iowa and Summer (Chris) Wiedow of Castalia, Iowa; grandchildren, Olivia Mettille, Britann Mettille, Blake Mettille, Makinzie (Ben Dugger) Monroe, Parker Monroe, Luke Wiedow, Dalton Wiedow and Kolton Wiedow; siblings, Janette Ryder-Blong, Lorrie Beisker (Larry Cox) and Allen Monroe (Amy Ryan); siblings-in-law, Jerry (Julie) Reckward, Sue (Dale) Lenth and Gin (Roger) Sanford;  sister-in-law, Judy Reckward; many special nieces, nephews and extended family members.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Rueben and June Monroe; daughter, Amy Monroe in 2013; sister, LaVerna Peck; and brothers-in-law, Eldo Peck, Don Ryder, Jerry Blong, David Beisker and Jim Reckward.

Visitation will be from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Sunday, March 3, 2019 at Ossian Lutheran Church, Ossian, Iowa. There will also be a one hour visitation before services at the church on Monday.

Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 am on Monday, March 4, 2019 at Ossian Lutheran Church, Ossian, Iowa with Rev. David Lenth as the officiant.

Inurnment will be held at a later date at Greenwood Cemetery in Ossian, Iowa.

Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Ossian, Iowa is helping the family with arrangements.