Gerald A. "Jerry" Morelock

GERALD A. (JERRY) MORELOCK

After a lengthy illness and a battle with cancer, Jerry passed away on December 21, 2017 at Kavanagh House in Des Moines. He was born on January 3, 1937 in Des Moines to Katherine and Freeman Morelock. He graduated from Des Moines Tech High School where he was a gifted athlete. He was a Golden Gloves Champion twice and a member of the boxing team in the Navy. Jerry worked at Meredith Printing in Des Moines and American Can in Minnesota. He worked for Sheridan Corporation in Chicago where he erected printing presses for companies all over America and throughout the world. He worked for AMF Western International in Des Moines, and when they closed he worked for Stew Hansen Dodge selling cars. He retired in 1997. He had an underwater salvage company, and he and his wife Becky traveled as much as possible. His motto throughout his life was anything worth doing is worth doing to excess, and everything Jerry did work or play he did 120%.

He was an avid outdoorsman hunting, fishing and diving in Iowa and all over the world. He dived in many of the oceans and seas of the world and led moose and bear hunters in Canada. The last several years Jerry has rangered at Blank Golf Course in Des Moines and spent the winters with Becky at their home in Texas and then in Florida.

At the end of his life, Jerry said he had no bucket list. He did everything he wanted to do and went everywhere he wanted to go. That didn’t mean he wouldn’t have loved one more dive trip or another mountain to climb, but he was content.

Jerry is survived by his wife Becky; his daughter Sharel Morelock of Hollywood, Florida; his son Douglas (Robin) Morelock and grandchildren Ryan and Lita Morelock; his stepson James Thorpe (Deann Decker) and grandchildren Connor and Logan Thorpe all of Des Moines; and his brother Ed (Tory) Morelock of Des Moines and a nephew and nieces.

Per arrangements made by Jerry many years ago, his body was donated to Des Moines University. A Celebration of Life for Jerry will be held on January 4, 2018 from 6 to 8 pm at Blank Golf Course, SW 9th and County Line Road in Des Moines. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the family. Special appreciation is given to the staff of Kavanagh House for the loving care provided to Jerry in his last days.

Condolences may be expressed at: www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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