Jerry Duane McCreary

Jerry Duane McCreary, age 81, died on July 5, 2022 in Des Moines, Iowa of natural causes. He was born on September 21, 1940 to Margaret and Leo McCreary in Diagonal, Iowa. He was a hardworking man who held a variety of jobs. When he was younger he worked as a chef in CA and FL, worked in manufacturing for Samsonite and Diamond Alkali in Iowa. He did some treetopping for Wright Tree Service in Des Moines and worked for the Colorado Forestry Deptartment. His true calling was that of a carpenter. He worked on many projects in Colorado and then in Iowa. One of his last big projects was the remodel of the Kirkwood Hotel where he was a superintendent for the project.

Jerry was an avid talker and loved conversations with his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren. He most enjoyed showing them how to work with tools and build with their hands. He also enjoyed fishing, gardening (especially his Peonies), movies, bowling and Lois Lamour westerns.

Jerry was preceded in death by his loving companion of almost 40 years, Mary Osborn, his parents, his brothers, Jack Roberts and Galen McCreary, and his sister, Betty Lou Hanie.

Left to cherish his memory are his children, Kathleen (Tom Buotte) McCreary, Betty (Walter Lindzius) Taylor, and Michael (Laurieann) McCreary; brother, Robert McCreary; his step-children, Deborah, Susan, William and Lisa; ex-wife, Anita Hellman; 23 grandchildren, 36 greatgrandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. The family is also supported by numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and many friends.

Memorial donations in memory of Jerry can be made to the Diabetes Foundation or
Alzheimer’s/Dementia research efforts.

Services will be held at Hamilton Funeral Home. The viewing will be on Saturday, July 30, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. and the service will be held at 1:00 p.m. the same day.

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