Jerry John Spykerman, 76, Elgin, Iowa, passed away Sunday, March 24, 2019, at Prairie View Nursing Home in Sanborn, Iowa, following a short illness. A Memorial Service will be held 10:30 a.m. at the Highland Lutheran Church, Elkader, Iowa on April 8, 2019.
Jerry was born November 1, 1942 in Hull, Iowa, to Garret and Mabel (Schlicht) Spykerman. He graduated from Sanborn High School, Sanborn, Iowa in 1961 and in 1973 received his degree in Fisheries and Wildlife Biology from Iowa State University. He served in the Army National Guard from 1964 – 1970. He spent his life in Iowa, living in Sanborn, Storm Lake, Humboldt, Ames, Muscatine, Elkader and Elgin. He worked for the Iowa Department of Natural Resources for 34 years as a Fisheries Biologist; retiring in 2004. His last duty station was at Big Spring Hatchery, Elkader, Iowa.
Jerry was united in marriage to Barbara Jane Millang in 1969; she passed away in 1975. In 1985 Jerry was united in marriage to Sylvia Jean (Hertzberg) Mahoney, who passed away in 2016.
Jerry enjoyed all types of outdoor activity and was an avid Iowa State sports fan. Following his retirement from the DNR he and Sylvia lived on and acreage near Elkader where they enjoyed many activities together. He also worked at Cabelas for ten years and then at Norby’s in Elkader. He was a Master Gardner, a 4-H volunteer, loved to fish, hunt and simply spend time out-of-doors. He was an active member Highland Lutheran Church; where he served as President and caretaker of the cemetery. He and Sylvia always made sure there were flowers on each grave for Memorial Day.
Survivors include his brother Vernon (Marsha) Spykerman, Sibley, Iowa; nephews Brett (Meridith) Spykerman, Jewell, Iowa and Zack (Tracy) Spykerman, Nevada, Iowa; two great-nieces and one great-nephew. Stepson Mike (Paula) Mahoney and “granddaughters” Caitlin Mahoney and Hailey Mahoney.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and two spouses.
Interment was in Highland Lutheran Church Cemetery, rural Elkader, resting beside his wife Sylvia.
Leonard-Grau Funeral Home & Cremation Service is assisting the family. Online condolences may be left with www.graufuneralhomes.com