Jerry Beal, 82, of Oskaloosa, passed away Monday, October 9, 2023, at Mahaska Health Hospital in Oskaloosa.
Jerry Lee Beal, son of Wilbur Joseph and Edna Mae (Price) Beal, was born March 26, 1941, in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He was a 1959 graduate of Oskaloosa High School and then attended William Penn College for a year. He served three years in the U.S. Army, from 1960 to 1963. After returning from the military, Jerry began working at Big Bear farm supply store in Oskaloosa. On January 11, 1964, Jerry married the love of his life, Verna Mildred Kerr. They made their home in Oskaloosa until 1965 when he transferred to the Big Bear Store in Grinnell; he served as the store manager for the next 32 years. They returned to Oskaloosa in 1998 when Jerry began working for Cunninghams. He worked for them until his retirement in 2009. Jerry enjoyed fishing, hunting, boating, and camping in his free time. He was one of Jehovah’s Witnesses and a member of The Kingdom Hall of Oskaloosa.
Jerry’s family includes his wife of 59 years, Verna of Oskaloosa; his children: Jeffrey (Nancy) Beal of Oskaloosa, Joel Beal of Illinois, Justin Beal of Newton, Valerie (Alex) Stuehmer of Boone, and Jeremiah (Kim) Beal of Cedar Rapids; 11 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; a brother, Jim Beal of Rehobeth Beach, DE.; and a sister, Mildred (Leroy) Wanders of Oskaloosa.
In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Price; three brothers, Wilbur Jr., Chuck, and Glenn Beal; two granddaughters, Alexa Stuehmer and Patricia Beal; and a great-granddaughter, Nora Browning.
As was Jerry’s wish, his body has been cremated. A Memorial service will be held later. Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory has been entrusted with his arrangements.
