Jerry Monroe
Jerry Norman Monroe, 70, of Castalia died Thursday, February 28, 2019 at his home following a courageous battle with cancer. Celebration of Life was held Monday, March 4 at Ossian Lutheran Church, Ossian with Rev. David Lenth as the officiant. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Greenwood Cemetery in Ossian.
Jerry was born March 24, 1948 to Rueben and June (Allen) Monroe in Decorah. He graduated from South Winneshiek High School. Jerry was united in marriage with Patricia Reckward October 8, 1966 at The Little Brown Church in Nashua. 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; he also liked to tell a hunting story or two. 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; his children, Julie (Matt) Mettille of Decorah and Summer (Chris) Wiedow of Castalia; his grandchildren, Olivia Mettille, Britann Mettille, Blake Mettille, Makinzie (Ben Dugger) Monroe, Parker Monroe, Luke Wiedow, Dalton Wiedow and Kolton Wiedow; his siblings, Janette Ryder-Blong, Lorrie (Larry Cox) Beisker and Allen (Amy Ryan) Monroe; his siblings-in-law, Jerry (Julie) Reckward, Sue (Dale) Lenth and Gin (Roger) Sanford; his sister-in-law, Judy Reckward; and many special nieces, nephews and extended family members.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Rueben and June Monroe; his daughter, Amy Monroe, in 2013; his sister, LaVerna Peck; and his brothers-in-law, Eldo Peck, Don Ryder, Jerry Blong, David Beisker and Jim Reckward.
Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Ossian assisted the family with arrangements.
