Gerald Tufts Jr.
July 25, 2016
Gerald Andrew Tufts, Jr., “Junior”, 92, went to be with his Lord and Savior on July 25th, 2016 at Kavanagh House in Des Moines, Iowa. He was born April 28, 1924 to Gerald and Bertha (Frey) Tufts of Bondurant.
Junior graduated from Bondurant High School in 1943. He married Helen Moss on October 4, 1952 in Bondurant and lived in the home that he built. He lived on the family farm his entire life, and farmed it for many years with his brother, Bob. Junior was a proud owner and operator of a grain and cattle truck. He was a resourceful man, and his ingenuity in creating, revising or building whatever part or piece of equipment he needed came in handy.
Junior was a life-long member of the Federated Church of Bondurant of which his parents were charter members. He served in countless areas including deacon, trustee, church board member, Sunday School teacher, choir member, and youth leader. He was a board member of Farmer’s Elevator. Junior was the father of three children, Mark Tufts of Des Moines, Jim (Deb) Tufts of Bondurant, and Jane (Keith) Christiansen of Bondurant. He was the proud grandfather of Bryan (Jen) Tufts, Mathew (Erin) Conaway, Lauren (TJ) Phillips, Dustin (Whitney) Conaway, Lindsay Tufts, Johnathan Christiansen, Thomas Christiansen and Emily Tufts, and the great-grandfather of Jayden Phillips, Ava and Kerrigan Conaway, Rayne and Rowen Conaway. More than anything Junior loved the Lord Jesus Christ first, then his family. His grandkids were the apple of his eye. There was always time for his kids and grandkids no matter what was going on.
Junior, the oldest of five children, is survived by his siblings, Margaret (Jim) Crady of Springfield, Illinois, Bob (Gerry) Tufts of Bondurant, Jeanette (Bob) Fay of Liberty Township, Ohio, Delores (Robert) Duffy of Derby, Kansas, and many extended relatives.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, July 28th at 6:30 p.m. at the Federated Church of Bondurant, located at 103 2nd St. SW. The family will greet guests following the service. The family would like to thank the staffs at Courtyard Estates in Bondurant for their loving care of “Grandpa” over the last three years, along with Kavanagh House for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Polk County Jail Ministries or Hidden Acres Christian Center (Dayton, Iowa).
Condolences may be expressed at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Vickie Ferguson
07/30/2016
Helen I'm so sorry for your loss. I wish you well.
Pam Law
07/29/2016
From: Pam Law
I'm so sorry for your family's loss. Grandpa brought great joy to all of us here at Courtyard Estates. He brought a smile to my face every day I came to work. Really liked hearing all the stories he told about farming. He will be greatly missed but now at peace in heaven!
Marj & Harold Magg
07/28/2016
Remembering Junior early on as church family. He was a great example - leader and family man - *special* Adjusting to his absence is difficult, but......".When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with him in glory." Colossians 3:4
Craig and Ronda Rehor
07/27/2016
We are very sorry for the loss of Junior. I work with Keith and we also attend Bondurant Federated. He was a very special man and I know he will be missed by all of you. Your family is in our prayers.
Teri Osborne
07/27/2016
I too like most will miss Juniors smiling face he had told me some very funny stories about growing up and rolling the hay truck with his dad he was a wonderful man and my great grandkids loved spending time with him while visiting their great great grand mother my deepest sympthaties to his family
Hollie Moon
07/27/2016
I met Junior at Courtyard Estates, where my Grandma Helen resides. Junior was always smiling and happy! My grandkids enjoyed tossing the ball back and forth with him. He seemed to light up anytime kids were around. My Grandma liked Junior and enjoyed being around him. I miss seeing his smiling face when I am visiting my Grandma. I'm so sorry for your family's loss.
Lynn Landers-Dickinson
07/27/2016
As one of Jr.'s caretakers as Courtyard Estates I will miss him terribly. But I can say what a genuine sweet man he was and how much joy he brought to the staff and the big laugh and lots of giggling at us he did frequently! Be at peace on your farm in heaven Jr. Godspeed my friend.