Schwertfeger, Jerry L.

Jerry L. Schwertfeger, 62, of Winterset, died Wednesday, Oct. 24, 2012, while vacationing in Page, Ariz. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 30, at First United Methodist Church in Winterset with a graveside service to follow at 2 p.m. in Goldenrod Cemetery, Deep River. A visitation will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. Monday, Oct. 29, at Ochiltree Funeral Service & Aftercare in Winterset, where family will be present to receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m.

Jerry Lee Schwertfeger was born May 5, 1950, in Grinnell, Iowa, the son of Lewis and Delores (Rieck) Schwertfeger. He grew up in Deep River and was a 1968 graduate of Deep River Millersburg High School. He went on to attend the University of Iowa, where he received his degree in pharmacy and became a loyal Hawkeye fan. His marriage to Beth Ann McClure took place on July 23, 1971, at the Presbyterian Church in Deep River.

Jerry was a pharmacist in Winterset for nearly four decades and was part owner of Montross Pharmacy. He served as mayor of Winterset from 1994 to 2006. He was a prominent leader in the Winterset community not only as mayor but serving on the Winterset Park and Rec board as member and president and the Winterset school board, where he rose to board chairman as well as serving on the Madison County Covered Bridge Preservation Association.

While mayor, he was particularly proud to be a part of the City Hall renovation of the old public library and the addition of the new Winterset Junior High School.

He was a member of First United Methodist Church in Winterset as well as a member of the Optimists, Lions and Jaycees. His professional memberships included the IPA and APhA and he served as a Cub Scout leader and Covered Bridge Festival chairman.

Above all else, Jerry was a devoted son, husband, father and grandfather who would most want to be remembered for this. His service to the community was something he was very proud of but he remained humble and gracious in all his leadership roles.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 41 years, Beth Schwertfeger of Winterset; his mother, Delores Schwertfeger of Deep River; his two children, Jeremy Schwertfeger (Sara) of Urbandale and Amy Childerston (Ron) of Pella; his three siblings, Ron Schwertfeger (Genie) of Des Moines, Lou Schwertfeger of Indianola and Donna Schwertfeger of Deep River; and five grandchildren, Anna, Luke and Jack Childerston and Trey and Charlee Schwertfeger. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, extended family and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, Lewis; and an infant brother, Steven Schwertfeger.

Memorials to the Madison County Covered Bridge Preservation Association and/or a fund established in Jerry's name for scholarships to Winterset High School graduates will be appreciated.

Online condolences may be made to the family at www.ochiltree.com.

Published Oct. 28, 2012 in The Gazette