Jerald Hardcastle
February 28, 2013
Jerald “Jerry” William Hardcastle, 73, died Thursday, February 28, 2013 at Iowa Methodist Medical Center. A memorial visitation will begin at 5 p.m. with a time of sharing from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6, 2013 at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street.
Jerry was born January 13, 1940 in Waterloo to Ward and Evelyn Hardcastle. He attended Cedar Falls High School and graduated with his bachelors degree from Upper Iowa University. He married the love of his life, Jane Hardcastle(Dieken) with whom he had three children. They divorced in 1990. He spent 30 years as a District Sales Manager for Family Record Plan before working the past 10 years at the PX of Camp Dodge. He loved being a dad to his three kids and had a passion for photography. An avid outdoorsman, he especially enjoyed boating, fishing and camping. He was a huge fan of music, whether live or from his wide collection of jazz and big band albums. The sounds of Frank Sinatra could usually be heard coming from The Cabin on a daily basis. Anybody Jerry met was an immediate friend for life. He was quick with a smile, a laugh, and a joke to win you over.
Jerry is survived by his children, Elizabeth Hardcastle, Missy (Jeff) Krile, Judd (Jennifer) Hardcastle and grandchildren Allison, Jack, Maggie, Koby, Grace and Raef, all of West Des Moines. Jerry also leaves behind his beloved long- legged basset hound, Cassie.
Memorial donations can be made in lieu of flowers to The Animal Rescue League of Iowa, 5452 NE 22nd Street, Des Moines, IA. 50315 and/or Iowa Soldiers c/o Captain Dale Hight, Family Readiness, JFHQ, A-1, Room 1867105 NW 70th Ave. , Johnston, IA. 50131, in memory of Jerry Hardcastle.
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Elizabeth Meredith Greenfield
03/06/2013
Elizabeth, my friend - I am so very sorry for your loss of your beloved Dad. Any daughter would long to have a wonderful relationship with her father, like you were blessed to have had with yours. And he was equally blessed to have you as his caring & loving daughter.
I'll always treasure the times I spent with you & Jerry over the years at The Cabin', the antiquing escapades, the witty conversations & especially his gregarious laughter. Hopefully you can find comfort in celebrating all of the loving years that you had together and that he has found peace.
Again, I apologize for not being able to fly back to comfort you in person. Steven's & my prayers and thoughts are with you, Missy & Judd.
With Love,
Eizabeth
Michelle Freese-McIntire
03/06/2013
Elizabeth,
We always wish our dads could live forever. And it breaks my heart that you lost yours. What great memories there are to cherish and remember what a great man he was. I loved him from the moment I met him and will never forget his sense of humor! There is definitely laughter in heaven. You took such good care of him and he loved you so much. Not only was he your Dad but he was also your best friend! That is something you will always have in your heart to keep with you. Love and prayers! Your friend, Michelle
John Wharton
03/05/2013
Jerry was loved and will be missed by all of us that came in contact with him. He was my second cousin, but seemed like my brother. When we were growing up, he would give me his hand-me-down cloths when he grew out of them. This was always a big treat for me because he always wore the best. He was always joking and made us all smile. People like Jerry are what make us all appreciate life to the fullest. He will go down in my history book of life as one that contributed many fond memories.
Tina Robinson
03/05/2013
E, I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of your father! May you find comfort and peace in your memories of him and from the family & friends that surround you during your time of grief!
Tina Robinson
harriet wharton
03/05/2013
My deepest sympathy to Jerry's family. I have many fond memories of my special cousin. Love and prayers . Harriet. Sent by Penny her daughter.
Peg DeBoer
03/05/2013
E, I'm so sorry to hear of your father's passing. During this difficult time I hope you can find comfort in knowing that he is finally at peace. You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Bill & Deb Roberts
03/04/2013
jerry was a great neighbor and alot of fun to be around. The cabin will never be the same-he loved it so much there....we loved him "being there" too. He will missed by many....our thoughts and prayers will be with you all-god bless
Jack and Monica Fleisch
03/04/2013
Dear Liz, Missy and Judd,
So sorry for your loss. Jerry was a good neighbor and made us laugh a lot. You recall that Fritzie, our bassett/beagle came from a Hardcastle litter--have forgotten the name of the dog. Please accept our sympathy, Jack and Monica Fleisch
joe lemke
03/04/2013
liz , missy and judd, sorry for your loss .my thoughts and prayers are with you. im leaving town wednesday morning so again thoughts are with you
Chrissy G
03/04/2013
Jerry was the best neighbor & one of the most kind hearted people I have ever known. I will miss sitting out in the yard with you & Cassie, my friend. When I mow my yard & drink a cold beer, I will be thinking of you. You will be a bright light in heaven.
ken barlow
03/04/2013
jerry was an awesome person. we both worked on post. everytime i went in the px, i always came out with a big smile. my prayers are with him and his family. god bless. Ken
penny kerley-smith
03/04/2013
Sorry to hear of the passing of Jerry my second cousin . I agree with so many of the comments about his great smile and laugh. He loved life. Reminded me so much of his mom and dad which he has gone to be with. Hugs and prayers to all the family.
Carol O'Roake
03/04/2013
My thoughts & prayers are w/ Jerry's family. We sure miss him @ the PX! When he was @ the Foxhole Cafe, he'd always try to sell us a Tenderloin & fries! Those were his specialties! I'll always remember his great sense of humor & his Santa Claus laugh!!! God Bless!
Brian & Becky Larson
03/04/2013
The loss of a loved one is always difficult. The important thing is that although it leaves an empty and hollow spot in our hearts we know that he is in a better place and that his health has been renewed and he is walking with God. Our prayers will be with each of you as you move through this difficult time.
Blessings,
Brian and Becky Larson
Connie Williams
03/04/2013
Jerry was that highlight of my visits to the PX. Every time I would walk in he would greet me with a big hello and we would talk about whatever was on his mind that day. He must have been one heck of a salesman because he was always trying to add something to my pile of purchases (and it was usually something I had no intention of buying). He was a great character and he will be greatly missed. He was always full of smiles and I am sure God has a special place for him as the "greeter" in heaven. Your family is in my thoughts and prayers. God Bless.