Jerry A. Woodke

Jerry Alvin Woodke, 73, of Schaller, Iowa passed away October 9, 2013 at Mercy Medical Center in Sioux City, Iowa surrounded by loved ones. Jerry was born on July 9, 1940 in Schaller, Iowa to Everett and Helen (Breihan) Woodke. He was baptized in Elgin, Nebraska and confirmed his faith at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Schaller, Iowa. Growing up, Jerry attended school in Schaller and graduated from Schaller High School in 1958. He then attended Commercial Extension in Omaha, Nebraska. Jerry was united in marriage to Colleen (Blum) on January 20, 1962. Together they were blessed with two children, Lori Sue and Brian Alan. Jerry worked as an independent insurance agent in Schaller, and was a member of the million dollar roundtable. He also owned a trucking company before starting the Keen Kab Co. in 1964 building row crop tractor cabs. He continued in his manufacturing endeavors with the production of feed bodies, bulk feed semi-trailers, double hopper bottom grain trailers, and related transportation equipment. In 1990, he began the manufacturing of amusement rides. He was a talented designer, full of new and innovative ideas for rides, and designed and built a number of rides of his own design. His work took him around the globe to many places, and he did business in all 50 states and in 126 countries around the world. Jerry was a dedicated community volunteer, serving on Schaller's Volunteer Fire Department, president of the Chamber of Commerce, and worked actively to promote Popcorn Days. He was politically active, working on several of Governor Branstad's campaigns. He was even a friend of George and Barbara Bush and spent time with them in the White House. He was also an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church in Schaller. He loved supporting the youth group. Throughout his life, Jerry loved traveling, cooking his famous beef roast, collecting old cars, and most importantly, spending time with his three great grandchildren. They brought so much joy to his life. He will be deeply missed by all those who knew and loved him. He is survived by his wife, Colleen; his son, Brian (Marcia) Woodke; eight grandchildren, Tiffany (Matt) Cress, Ashley (Klint) Schulte, Brian Thomas, Bradley (Kayla), Regan, Blake, Chandler, and Jordan Woodke; three great grandchildren, Kash, Chanel, and Harper; two sisters, Sandy Thorborg and Mary (Marvin) Nehring; a brother, Robert Woodke; a sister-in-law, Janette Woodke; many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends. Jerry was preceded in death by his daughter, Lori Rimmer; grandson, Christopher Rimmer; parents; in-laws, Raymond Blum, Edythe & Charlie Crutchfield; and a brother, Wesley Woodke.

Jerry A. Woodke

July 9, 1940 - October 9, 2013