Jerry Ottaway

JERRY ALLAN OTTAWAY

Marion

Jerry Allan Ottaway, 78, of Marion, passed away Friday, Feb. 17 2017, at Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha.

Jerry was born in December 1938 during a blizzard to parents Ambrose and Mary (Gollobit) Ottaway. He graduated from Sabula High School in 1956, then went on to serve in the Navy from 1956 to 1961. On Feb. 7, 1959, he married Shirley Yirkovsky at St. Joseph Church in Marion. He was a member of St. Joseph for 58 years.

Jerry drove a semi over-the-road for 40-plus years. He drove for CRST for 13 years, Transport America for 18 years, Hawkeye International for eight years and Ryder for three years. His children were blessed to be able to go on trips with him during the summer while they were growing up.

Jerry's special interests included taking Shirley to the casinos and spending time with his family, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who lovingly referred to him as "Papa."

A member of Ducks Unlimited, he enjoyed attending their events. Jerry was a very kind, generous man who always had a story to share or a joke to tell.

He is going to be truly missed by all who were blessed to have known him.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his stepfather, Ray Johnson; his brother, Loren; his granddaughter, Sara Ottaway; his great-grandson, Spencer Ottaway; his brothers-in-law, James Yirkovsky, Ken York Darrell Yirkovsky, Ronald Yirkovsky and Marvin Yirkovsky; and his sisters-in-law, Mariam Hauser, Patricia Bridge and Edna Hunter.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Shirley; his children, Sharene Ottaway, Jim (Julie) Ottaway, Joyce (Jerry) Helmick, Steve (Janie) Ottaway, Julie (Jeff) Ottaway, Jeri (Dave) Ottaway and Beverly Ottaway; his grandchildren, Natasha (Chad) Kacere, Christie (Brandon) Frohling, Heather (Johann) Ottaway, Matt (Lisette) Ottaway, Tanya (Jake) Helmick, Jordan (Chris) Hanson, Zachary (Jeanne) Ottaway, Tommy Helmick, Joseph (Devin) Ottaway, Travis Helmick, Steven Ottaway, Jacob Ottaway and Toni Helmick; his great- grandchildren, Troy Ottaway, Bryden and Lenyx Frohling, Hadley and Kyah Ottaway, Kellan and Asher Kacere, Josh and Haley Hartsoe, Raelynn Ottaway, Claire Hanson and Mia Ottaway; his siblings, Ron (Lawanna) Ottaway, Charlotte (Robert) Trypkosh, Joyce (Mike)Waller, Carol (Phil) Allen, Mary (Don) Bees, Bette (Don) Holub, Linda (Mark) Holman and Ray Jr. (Chris) Johnson; and many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, Feb. 21, from 4 to 8 p.m. at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. There will be a vigil service at 7 p.m. Funeral services will be Wednesday at St. Joseph Church of Marion at 10:30 a.m., with burial to follow. There will be a visitation an hour prior to the service at the church. Per Jerry's request, please dress casual.

The family would like to thank the Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy for their exceptional care they provided to Jerry.

The family has established a memorial fund in Jerry's name.