Jerry Ferris

Gerald "Jerry" Christopher Ferris was born May 30, 1922, the son of Clyde L. and Mathilda Gabel Ferris. He passed away Friday, July 15, 2011, at Eventide Nursing Home, at the age of 89.
Jerry was born in Keokuk, Iowa, and graduated from the Keokuk High School in the class of 1940. After graduation he served his country in the U.S. Army from 1941-1946. Jerry served in all five major campaigns of the European Conflict and was honorably discharged in 1945 as a First Sergeant of a company in a Tank Destroyer Battalion. Upon his return he attended Iowa Wesleyan College and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration in June, 1950. He also attended Iowa State College where he met the love of his life, Marian. On August 14, 1949 he was united in marriage to Marian Rhodes in Fort Dodge, Iowa, and they were blessed with the birth of two children: David and Susan.
Jerry was in business management for most of his life. He held many positions over the years including: District Manger of Sales for Ralston Purina Company in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa; owner/operator of Bowl Inn Lanes in Fairfield, Iowa; Director of Advising and Counseling at Parsons College in Fairfield; Business Manager & Director of Student affairs at Midwestern College in Denison, Iowa; owner/operator of Ferris Hardware and Appliance in Denison; and Director of Administrative Services and Manager of Facilities and Support Services at the Denison Job Corps Center.
He was also very active in the community. He was a founder and charter member of the Denison Rotary Club serving as: President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Bulletin Editor, Song Leader, District Governor for District 561, Team Leader of the Group Study Exchange to Finland, and was a Paul Harris Fellow in 1986 and 2008. He was also an active member of: Abu-Bekr Shrine-Animal Unit; American Legion; Veterans of Foreign Wars; the Masons for fifty years; Denison Barbershoppers; Planning and Zoning Commission; and the First United Methodist Church, where he also sang in the choir for many years. He served as President and Board Member on the Denison Chamber of Commerce and the West Central Iowa Sheltered Workshop. Over the years he also found time to enjoy scrap booking, stained glass creations, singing, golfing, fishing, and bowling.
Jerry was preceded in death by his wife; parents; and one sister, Virginia. Survivors include one son, David and his wife, Cyd; one daughter, Susan and her husband, Tom; one granddaughter, Emily; one brother, Clyde; one brother-in-law, Harold and his wife, Darlene; one sister-in-law, Jean; and many other relatives and friends.