Jerry Barske Sr.

JERRY L. BARSKE SR.

Independence

Jerry L. Barske Sr., 78, of Independence, died Friday, June 23, 2017, at Buchanan County Health Center in Independence.

Jerry was born April 12, 1939, in Independence, Iowa, the son of Richard and Katherine (Armstrong) Barske. He was a 1957 graduate of Independence High School and attended college for two years in California. On May 20, 1961, he was married to Helen T. Aldrich at St. John's Catholic Church in Independence. Jerry was employed with Collins Radio in Cedar Rapids for 19 years. He went on to join the Local 288 Union in Waterloo, where he severed his apprenticeship to receive his electricians certification. He later became manager of Independence Light & Power Co. and was vital in bringing the fiber optic lines to the community of Independence. He twice received the Citizen of the Year Award from the Independence Area Chamber of Commerce.

He enjoyed golfing, fishing and bowling, but he loved spending time with his grandchildren the most.

He is survived by his wife, Helen, Independence; a daughter, Terri (Junior) Gallup, Independence; two sons, Jerry Barske Jr., Cedar Rapids, and Douglas (Margie) Barske, Independence; nine grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; three great-grandchildren; a sister, Sharon Meeks, Prattville, Ala.; and several nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Richard and Don Barske.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at St. John's Catholic Church, Independence, with burial at a later date. Friends may call from 9 a.m. to services Wednesday at the church.

In lieu of flowers, send contributions to the family addressed to the family of Jerry Barske, c/o Reiff Funeral Home & Crematory, 216 Third Ave. SE, Independence, IA 50644.

To leave an online condolence, please go to www.reifffuneralhome.com under obituaries.