Jerry Jantzen

MALCOM-Jerry Wayne Jantzen, 78, of Malcom, Iowa, passed away April 12th, 2025, peacefully in his home. It was his wish to be cremated and there will be a Celebration of Life at a future date.

Jerry Wayne Jantzen was born in Grinnell, Iowa on April 16th, 1946. He is the son of Harold Jantzen and Betty (Emmert) Jantzen.

Jerry grew up attending country school and then graduated from South Tama school district in the Class of 1964.

Jerry joined the National Guard in 1965 and was honorably discharged in 1972.

Jerry married the love of his life, Karlene Anne Kunc, on July 27, 1968, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Marshalltown. They shared 57 years of love and devotion. They spent many of their years together traveling with friends, playing cards, antiquing, finding a free concert, or the nearest tractor parade. Through their love story they had one daughter Andrea Jantzen-Krueger (Paul Krueger). They have one granddaughter, Isabelle Krueger. Jerry's whole world was protecting his girls and supporting all their activities. He found so much joy in buying trinkets through a mail-in catalog, jewelry at a local jewelry store, or buying supplies to surprise his wife with a new staircase.

Jerry was a kind man, with a witty sense of humor. He was always found in a western shirt, jeans, and cowboy boots. He gave great hugs and enjoyed visiting with everyone. He loved Hawkeye sports and the color red.

Jerry worked at Musel John Deere in Chelsea, and sold cars at Twin City Ford in Toledo. He also worked as a carpenter with his brother-in-law, Michael Kunc, for many years, even though Jerry's true passion was always farming. His favorite time of year was spring. He was eager to get in his fields to plant. In his earlier years of farming, he raised pigs. He shared his love of pigs with his daughter. Jerry would often disappear to his shed where he would tinker for hours on end. He devised many practical solutions to any of his loved ones' problems. He loved nothing more than a bright sunny day. He took care of all of the stray animals that he ever found shelter on his property. He even built a sanctuary for all of the squirrels so his wife could watch from their window. His favorite event of the year was the Iowa State Fair, and he loved clipping newspaper articles.

Jerry was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Karlene Jantzen; daughter Andrea Jantzen-Krueger (Paul Krueger); granddaughter Isabelle Krueger, and mother Betty Jantzen.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Harold Jantzen; brother, Allen Jantzen; and nephew, John Kunc.

Memorials may be directed to the Iowa State Fair in his name.

Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo, is assisting the family with arrangements.