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Gerald Lee Schaefer, 79, of Creston, died July 8, 2025, in Des Moines.
Gerald “Jerry” Lee Schaefer was born Nov. 6, 1945, to Lowell and Maxine (Collier) Schaefer in Ringgold County. Jerry was welcomed home by his big brother Carl. His family continued to grow with the addition of a sister, Gwendolyn Kay, and two more brothers, Kenneth and Michael.
As a young man, Jerry found the love of his life, Susan Diane Campbell. They were married March 5, 1966, in Grant City, Missouri. Jerry then joined the United States Navy on March 15, 1966, where he served as an electronics technician (communications) aboard the U.S.S. Biddle and then later on the U.S.S. Long Beach. While stationed in California, a son, Derald Dean, was born. The family continued to grow with the addition of two daughters, Dana Danelle and Danette DeAnn.
On Jan. 21, 1974, Jerry left the Navy and returned to Iowa to farm and raise his family in Diagonal. In 1988, Jerry and Susan moved their family to Creston. Jerry started his own trucking company hauling livestock. The love of trucking was passed on to his son Derald, who for many years joined his dad in the business.
Upon retirement Jerry and Susan traveled. He also learned to play golf and loved it. Jerry enjoyed watching football (Vikings and Hawkeyes), watching old westerns and had a great appreciation for cowboy memorabilia. His favorite pastime may have been arguing politics.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Susan in 2022; Susan’s parents, Helen and Glen Campbell; sisters-in-law, Donna Campbell and Yvonne Schaefer and brother-in-law Bob Smith.
Left to cherish his memory are his son Derald and wife Brenda Schaefer of Diagonal; daughters, Dana and husband Warren Evans of Bridgewater and Danette and husband Richard Hoffman of Reinbeck; brothers, Carl Schaefer of Okeechobee, Florida, Kenny and wife Cathy Schaefer of Diagonal and Mike and wife Karen Schaefer of Maloy; sister Kay and husband Don Jandreau of Weiser, Idaho; brothers-in-law Gary and wife Jean Campbell of Leon and Dennis Campbell of Mount Ayr; sister-in-law Sheryl Smith of Dexter, Minnesota; 11 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
There are no public services. He will be interred at a later date in the Veteran’s Cemetery at Van Meter.
Memorials are in his name to be decided. Armstrong Funeral Home in Mount Ayr is assisting.