Jerry Roberts

Jerry Roberts, 76, of Urbandale passed away on Monday, March 8, 2021, surrounded by his family. He was born on May 13, 1944 in Marshalltown, IA to Harry and Charlotte Roberts. His youth was spent growing up on the family farm in Laurel, with his brother Bob. He graduated from Laurel Community School in 1962 and went on to get a BAE degree at Wayne State College, followed by a master’s degree at Drake University.

In 1973, when he married his wife Judy, she brought two children into his life, Teri and Tim. They called him Dad and he called them his children and raised them as his own.

After graduation from college, Jerry taught and coached at BGM High School. Upon the sudden death of his father, he returned to the farm and continued with farming for 15 years. He loved the fall harvest and raising Charolais cattle. The little white calves running out in the green grass were a joy to watch. The smell of hog manure he did not love! The involvement of government in the farming business is what drove him out of farming and back to education. With his master’s degree he became a high school counselor at Baxter, East Marshall and Earlham. His passion was helping kids find a career path appropriate for them.

For the past eight years Jerry lived with an LVAD (left ventricular device). He was the first one to return to Des Moines after surgery for rehab after his LVAD. He was always willing to talk to other congestive heart failure patients and show them how he lived with an LVAD. In addition to the donation of tissue and bone, his heart has been donated for research in hopes of helping others.

His interests were following the kids and grandkid’s sports, collecting Ted Williams memorabilia and attending Drake basketball games. Most of his friends will remember him for his one-liners.

He is survived by his wife, Judy; his children, Teri (Mike) Salach of Overland Park, KS and Tim (Anne) Roberts of Golden, CO; and three grandchildren, Taylor, Jennifer and David.

Due to COVID, there will be a private service on Sunday, March 14, 2021 at 3:00 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Freedom for Youth Ministries.

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