Jerry Roberts, 70, of Beacon, passed away peacefully on Sunday, December 4, 2022, at the Mahaska Health Serenity House in Oskaloosa, IA.
Jerry DeWayne Roberts, son of Orley and Dorothy (Dunn) Roberts, was born on April 22, 1952, in Vicksburg, Michigan. Growing up, Jerry attended school in Vicksburg and graduated with the class of 1970 from Vicksburg High School. During his senior year, Jerry and his classmates were trying to raise money for a school trip to New York. The fundraising method was door-to-door salesman of encyclopedias. Jerry has a true knack for sales and ended up being the best salesman in his class. While going door-to-door, Jerry happened to grace the door of Henry and Janet Noble’s home. Upon speaking with them, he noticed their daughter Deloris. The sale of the books became of little importance after Jerry and Deloris met and figured out they attended the same school. Three years later, Jerry and Deloris were united in marriage in Mendon, Michigan, on May 6, 1972.
Jerry worked as a plumber for a short time after high school before he and Deloris took a trip to Oskaloosa, Iowa, to visit one of Deloris’ brothers, who was attending seminary school at Vennard College. Jerry and Deloris fell in love with the community and planted roots in Oskaloosa. Jerry went to work for Pepsi Bottling for a few years before getting hired at Pella Corporation. He enjoyed a 30+ year career at Pella Corp before retiring. After retirement, Jerry needed to stay busy. Dee cleaned homes, and Jerry did various home improvement projects at Brooms. Jerry’s last place of employment was Wal-Mart. He started by doing various custodial jobs and was one of the most familiar greeters most Oskaloosans knew. If you’ve ever been to Wal-Mart, chances are, you said “Hello!” to a smiling Jerry.
Although Jerry did enjoy his jobs, one of his unique hobbies was collecting interesting coins, especially quarters, but his true love was his family. He would always make time to make it to his grandkid’s events.
Jerry’s family includes his children: Todd (Amie) Roberts of Beacon, IA, Elizabeth Hayes of Phoenix, AZ, and Paul Roberts of Eagan, MN; and seven grandchildren. His sisters and brothers also survive him: Jean Ballman of Portage, MI, Mary Jane (Don) Becker of Three Rivers, MI, Jay Roberts of Bristol, IN, Jim (Sheila) Roberts of Three Rivers, MI and Jennie Kay (Clarence) Blood of Three Rivers, MI, and many nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Deloris Roberts, on September 24, 2022; his son in infancy, Nathan Roberts; his parents, Orley Roberts and Dorothy Gehlbach; his treasured grandchildren in infancy, Julia and Jonathan Roberts; and six precious grandchildren in infancy.
As was his wish, Jerry’s body has been cremated. A Celebration of Life will occur on December 17, from 12 – 3 p.m., at the Beacon City Hall (409 Reid Street, Beacon, IA, 52534). Instead of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the MHP Hospice Serenity House. Burial of Jerry’s and Deloris’ urns will occur in the spring of 2023. Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory is entrusted with his final arrangements.
