Jerald Toomey

Jerald Toomey was born on June 8, 1936, the hottest summer on record, to Leo and Ruth Toomey. Jerry was one of four boys. Richard, Donnie and Bobby were not only brothers, but were his best friends growing up.

As a child, Jerry's family dealt with a variety of hardships. His dad was diagnosed with Addison's disease and he passed away when Jerry was 16. As a child, he sold newspapers at the Iowa State Fair to generate a little income to give his mom. What his family lacked in money, they made up for in love and laughter.

While in high school, Jerry joined the Naval Reserves and then went on to join the US Army. After basic training, he served in Landstuhl, Germany. He was stationed there for a year and a half. Life there was never dull!

Jerry married Judy Shutt and they were blessed with six children. Family was the highlight of his life and what he was most proud of. He worked his entire life to make sure to give his family the best life he could provide. Each of his children went on to marry and start families of their own. Ironically, all living within five minutes of their parents. Jerry and Judy's house always had someone coming or going.

Always a hard worker, Jerry worked for Meredith Publishing for 40 years as a lead pressman, until he retired in 1994. Jerry settled well into retirement. It didn't take long until he fell into a routine of drinking coffee with the same guys for over 20 years. Neither rain, nor sleet, nor snow or hail would keep him from joining his friends. Over the years, they became more like brothers to him.

A lifelong Eastsider, Jerry enjoyed working at the Grand Avenue gate at the Iowa State Fair for over 20 years. Some of his best stories came from that job and he looked forward to it all year long.

Faith, family and friends were the most important things to Jerry. He loved the Lord and was a faithful attender of Woodland Hills Church of Christ. Nothing made him happier than to hear his children and grandchildren were doing well and he was always proud of them. Every day he would ask Judy if she had talked to any of their kids and if anyone was coming over. Jerry was blessed by knowing that all his children knew the Lord and though he has left his earthly home, they know that they will all be together again in glory.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, step father John Wiebenga, brothers Richard and Donnie and son in law Rod Draper. He is survived by his brother Robert Toomey, Aunt Dorothy Shedd, his loving wife, Judy Toomey, children, Julie (Rick) Young, Jama (Ted) Coulson, Bob (Janie) Toomey, Todd (Debbie) Toomey, Trent (Tammi) Toomey and Charity Draper, many grandchildren, great grandchildren and even some adoring grand dogs.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, August 17, 2023 at Woodland Hills Church, 2484 SE 68th Street, Des Moines. Family will greet guests from 9:30-11:00 a.m., prior to services at the church. Burial will take place at Warren Powers Cemetery, Camp Township, Iowa.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the family in loving memory of Jerald.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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