Gerald V. Orman
October 08, 2011
Gerald “Jerry” Victor Orman, 78, died October 8, 2011. He was born November 29, 1932, in Ottumwa, to Charley and Tiny Chloe Huddleston Orman.
Jerry was a 1950 graduate of Ottumwa High School. He served proudly in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict until 1955. He was married to Helen M. Kelley in 1956, who survives him, along with their four sons: Dan, of St. Charles, Illinois, Kelley, of Johnston, Scott, of Castro Valley, California, and Colby, of West Des Moines. There are three grandchildren, Cory, Jessica, and Levi, and several nieces and nephews.
Jerry and his family moved to Des Moines in 1969, where he held various positions with the Federal Home Loan Bank, the Financial Information Trust, and briefly, at Farm and Home Savings and Loan in Nevada, Missouri. Upon retirement from the Trust, Jerry worked during legislative sessions as a doorkeeper for the Iowa House of Representatives, retiring in 2008. He was known there as “Orman the Doorman.”
Jerry was a member of the Urbandale American Legion Post 663, the Isaac Walton League, and attended St. Theresa’s Catholic Church.
A visitation will be held from 5 to 8 p.m., with a 7:30 p.m. rosary service, on Tuesday, October 11, 2011, at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. A memorial service will be 1 p.m. Wednesday, October 12, at the funeral home. Burial with military honors will be at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Animal Rescue League of Des Moines. Online condolences may be expressed at
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Chris B.
10/12/2011
I had the pleasure of working with Jerry in the legislature as a page, in 2004. He was one of the kindest gentlemen I've ever met, with a good sense of humor to boot. Sad I only got to know him for a few months. I wish I would have heard before the visitation. I am sorry to hear of his passing.
R.I.P., Jerry. Time to drive the black Cadillac in the sky.
Gayle Goble
10/12/2011
Jerry was a great guy that will be missed by many. I had so much fun harrassing him after we had to see the stupid film on sexual harrassment. He loved it. My deepest sympathy to all his friends and family.
Pat Belknap (Quinn)
10/12/2011
Helen and Family: My thoughts and prayers are with you all in the loss of your husband and father. I have such fond memories of the Ormans - especially hanging over the backyard fence visiting! I always remember your family as a true example of shared love, caring and especially humor -- it was always easy to see that you just enjoyed each other and being together. Cherish your beautiful memories of Jerry and his love for all of you.
kerry faber esch
10/11/2011
so sorry to hear the sad news, my mother just told me tonight, too late to attend the visitation and very sad about that.
what a wonderful man with great humor, love, loyalty and compassion. I have so many fond memories of the 46th Street house and the many days and hours spent with my buddy, Colby!
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Orman family! A special hug and squeeze to my lovely friend, Helen and Colby!
Sue Jennings
10/11/2011
My deepest sympathy to the family. I enjoyed working with Jerry at the legislature. I'm sure he will be deeply missed.
Ivy M. Ward
10/10/2011
Thinking of you.