Jerome McIntyre Skeers
January 02, 2013
Jerome McIntyre Skeers, 68, passed away Wednesday, January 2, 2013, at his home in Windsor Heights, with his wife Linda at his side.
Funeral services will be held Monday, January 7, at 1 p.m., at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in West Des Moines, with burial at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines. A dinner will follow at the Church. Visitation will be held Sunday, January 6, 2013, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., with a prayer service at 7:30 p.m., at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway.
Jerry was born in Des Moines to Harold and Dorotha (McIntyre) Skeers on July 21, 1944, while his father was serving in the Army Air Corps. After traveling to various locations in the Southwest, where his father was stationed, the family returned to Iowa after the war. Jerry lived and attended school in Ottumwa and Urbandale before the family moved to a farm near Waukee in 1956. He participated in 4H, raising dairy heifers and working on the farm. Jerry graduated from Waukee Community High School in 1962. While at Iowa State University, he joined the Army ROTC program, and after graduating with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering, received a commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Army. He served a tour of duty in Vietnam from March 1969 to February 1970, and then returned to Des Moines. After leaving active duty, he continued to serve in the Army Reserve and later in the National Guard. He retired with the rank of Lt. Colonel.
Jerry married Linda Lozano in 1972, with Phyllis Franklin playing matchmaker. Mary and Harold Franklin hosted their first date. They lived in Beaverdale and later in Windsor Heights. After working for a time at Northwestern Bell Telephone Company and the Iowa Department of Health, Jerry found a career-long passion for the field of industrial safety when he took a position at the Occupational Safety and Health Division of the Iowa Department of Labor. He worked tirelessly leading a team of inspectors to enforce labor safety and health laws and regulations on behalf of Iowa working people. After leaving the state he worked for Environmental Testing Laboratories.
Jerry was a lifelong car and driving enthusiast and enjoyed travel. He and Linda and other friends and family members took many trips together. Mary and Jerry Goodrich were frequent dinner companions. Buffets with the Sunday crowd will always be remembered. Photography was another of his interests and he was often the documentarian at events and family gatherings. Jerry was an excellent speaker and longtime member of Toastmasters International and won a number of contests and awards. He was a voracious reader on a wide variety of topics and a regular user and supporter of his public libraries. He was a rabble rouser on behalf of Friends of the Green.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Karen Skeers Ellington. He is survived by his wife, Linda; his brothers, Dennis (Lisa) of Pittsburgh, and Timothy of Des Moines; and many beloved nieces and nephews and their children.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Family School and Sacred Heart School.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Jim, Maureen, Colleen & Katie Moore
01/09/2013
Linda, wish we could have been there to give you that hug, but hopefully through this message you can feel our thoughts and prayers from Tennessee. I looked at our wedding album and saw the picture of you two...thanks to you both we have memories to look at and cherish forever! One of my favorite sayings when I think of you both is: We go together like photography and film! Together forever in this life and the next! We love you...
Irene Schocke, Esquire Toastmaster
01/08/2013
Linda, you will be in my thoughts and prayers as will your fine family who truly reflect Jerry's and your grateful, courageous and hopeful spirit during this difficult time. We at Esquire Toastmasters remain inspired and heartened by your strong examples. We all spoke fondly of him last night at the weekly meeting and wish you comfort in the days ahead. P e a c e .
Bonita Winingham
01/08/2013
Linda,
I have just learned of Jerry's passing. My deepest sympathy to your and your family. I worked with Jerry when I first got out of college in 1985 and he was an absolute treasure! I know he will be missed and I am keeping you and your family in my prayers.
Dennis Hakeman
01/07/2013
Dennis, I learned today from my brother of Jerry's passing and wanted to reach out to express my sympathies. Many years of passed since we last connected, so I hope you are well. Perhaps we can reconnect one of these days.
Janet & Bill Keegan
01/07/2013
Dennis & Lisa,
We are sorry for your loss.
Hazel Neil
01/07/2013
Linda,
I never had the honor of meeting your husband but remember your stories of your wonderful activities together. I know being married to you, he had to be a wonderful person. You have helped my family through hard times, just know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time and always. You are a very special person.
William Terrell
01/06/2013
We were all so blessed to have known Jerry! He is one of those souls who becomes your friend the moment you meet him!
I had the privilege of knowing him for years! We shared many a laugh, always a deep conversation, celebrated our victories (2008 & 2012) and commiserated in our loses (the forest and Rice field)!
As I experienced the slow decline in his body because of cancer, I was increasing impressed with his soul, character and mind. The disease never go the best of him! He smiled and laughed and explored to his last breath!
He is truly an inspiration to any that have known him!
I wish him transcendence and light in his current soul journey.
My family wishes Linda peace and Love in this time of Loss. She is a very special compassionate woman!
Linda Lindsay
01/06/2013
On behalf of my late Step-Dad, (Lee Sample) I would like to extend my condolances to you. Lee enjoyed knowing Jerry while working as a State Safety Inspector. He just thought the world of him actually. My best to you.
Richard Bassett MSG USA RET
01/06/2013
So sorry for your loss. I enjoyed serving with Jerry in reserves I learned a lot from him and enjoyed our talks and visits. You are in our thoughts and prayers
Sharla Fredericksen and Don Jaques
01/06/2013
Linda we were deeply sadden with your loss of Jerry. We both have fond memories of the times you were at Grandma Dorothy's house on East 8th. You will miss him greatly. Our prayers and thoughts are with you at this time.
Paulette Wood
01/06/2013
Grief cannot be lessened, but it can be shared. Larry and I are saddened by Jerry's death and appreciate the care Jerry took of others. Jerry and Linda loved our dear friend, Louise Mays. We are honored to have known Jerry.
RICHARD SACKETT, COL USA RET.
01/05/2013
May God hold you close and bless you in this time of Sorrow! I am glad Opportunity to have a couple of conversations with him at the 103d COSCOM alumni room at the Mariott for the 103d Winter Party! I enjoyed working with him at the 103d and our passing on the run conversations, friendships, and travels! He will be missed but continued to be loved and seen again in a heavenly place!
Pam and Richard (Dick) Vegors
01/05/2013
Linda,
Kathy Shediwy called us last night saying that Jerry had passed away.
Our hearts go out to you during this time of sorrow.
We will miss Jerry and his comings and goings when we get back to Iowa.
Your neighbors and friends.
Pam and Dick Vegors
Kathy Mullins (Maureen Moore's sister)
01/05/2013
It was a blessing to know you Jerry. You captured many treasured memories on film for our family (Maureen and Jim's wedding). Linda, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
John Lozano
01/04/2013
We will all miss Jerry. May you rest in peace.