Gerry R. Cassabaum
November 08, 2010
Gerry Richard Cassabaum, 71, died November 8, 2010, at Methodist Medical Center after a long battle with cancer. Gerry was born October 14, 1939, to Jesse and Maude Marie (Courtney) Cassabaum on a farm near Columbus Junction Iowa. He was the fifth of six siblings; John William, Mary Helen (Wilbur) Vander Linden, Robert Eugene (Betty Jane), Betty Louise (Donald) Miles and Rita Kay. He graduated from Columbus Junction High School in 1957 and Iowa State University in 1962. On June 1, 1962, he was united in marriage to Linda Sue Pothoven. This union was blessed with three children; Brett Alan, Steven Sean, and DeAnna Lynn.
Gerry worked much of his life as a bank president at Taintor Savings Bank in New Sharon, Iowa, where he also raised hogs on a small acreage. He, Linda and family spent much of their early married lives in New Sharon before moving to West Des Moines in 1986. Gerry owned and operated Great Midwestern Ice Cream and was involved in several other entrepreneurial pursuits until retiring, never straying far from his farm boy roots. He enjoyed spending time with friends, children and grandchildren, traveling, woodworking, and tormenting his older sisters. Gerry was active in the West Des Moines United Methodist Church and Mits Wits Sunday School Class.
Gerry is survived by his wife Linda; his three children, Brett (Amy) Cassabaum of Ankeny, Iowa, Steve (Michelle) Cassabaum of Nevada, Iowa and DeAnna (Mike) Fank of Boone, Iowa; ten grandchildren, Alyssa, Sara, Matt, Emma, Elli, Kati, Heidi, Scott, HolliAnna and Luke; and his sister Betty of Springfield, Illinois. He was preceded in death by his parents and other siblings.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, November 12, 2010, at 10:30 a.m. at the West Des Moines United Methodist Church, located at 720 Grand Avenue. Visitation will be held from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, November 11, 2010, at Hamilton’s on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines.
Memorial contributions may be directed to West Des Moines United Methodist Church.
Online condolences may be made at:
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Rex and Etta Miller
11/18/2010
Dear Linda and family,
We just learned about Gerry's passing tonight. We want to express our sympathy to you, Linda, and all your kids and grandchildren. It seems time passes by so fast and we lose contact with each other. We are sorry that Gerry had to journey to the Lord via cancer. It took our Paula when she was 28 years old...a sad physical journey but beautiful journey to the Lord.
We now live in Stevensville, Montana near Missoula, Montana. We retired here to get away from the mini Los Angeles called Phoenix. We love it here and really enjoy the slowed down living since we retired.
Our address is: 4205 Overlook Trail, Stevensville, MT 59870
Our phone number is: (602) 821-3329
Our love to you at this time.
Rex and Etta
Pam Wiederin Greer
11/15/2010
Dear Cassabaum Family,
I was lucky enough to meet all of you, including Gerry when I was a high school student working at your ice cream shop from 1986 - 1988.
I learned so much from Gerry in those years that has served me well as a professional and a parent. I learned to look people in the eye, smile (even when you didn't feel like it), listen first and talk second, be patient with yourself those around you, be creative in everything you do, and most of all work your hardest and have fun doing it.
Gerry was so kind to me during those years and his impact on my life is long lasting.
I wish all of you peace during this difficult time.
Sincerly,
Pam Greer (Wiederin)
Myron Frisk
11/13/2010
Romie and I send our condolences to Linda and the family. Gerry was such a great guy and I really enjoied High School with him. God Bless you, Gerry
Megan Woodworth Colucci
11/13/2010
I was so sorry to hear through friend of Gerry's passing. Please pass on my deepest sympathy to all the family.
Brian Gregory
11/12/2010
Dear Aunt Linda and family,
Though I married into the family just 6 years ago and my visits with Uncle Gerry were only but a handful, he always seemed to me to be one of the most comfortable men in his own skin I've ever had the pleasure of meeting. Uncle Gerry possessed such a disarming personality, being able to talk to anyone and, maybe more importantly, being able to listen to and show such a genuine interest in the other person.
All of you are in my thoughts and prayers! Sorry I was unable to be there with Kathleen and the girls. May the God of all comfort hold you close during this difficult time.
David Stout
11/12/2010
Dear Linda and Family,
I extend my condolences on the death of Gerry. While his death is a loss, his life continues as a gift wh8ich will continue to bless all of you. Personally, my memories of Gerry are of a person of great integrity and commitment to the highest values. I recall his willingness to undertake difficult projects with a spirit which inspired others to follow him. In our conversations he was open to talk about the issues which both challenged and supported him on his spiritual journey. It was my privilege to know him as a friend. God be with you as, amid your loss, you continue to give thanks for his journey with you. Peace be with you. Rev. David Stout
Danette Roush Deters
11/12/2010
Linda, Brett, Steve, DeAnna and family....
Your family is in my heart and prayers right now. I have so many great memories from New Sharon and growing up together. Your place was my second home and he was like a dad to me. What a great man!! Hold on to all of your wonderful memories!! With love...
Leon & Mary
11/11/2010
Linda,and family
Our thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family,be strong
and remember the good times with the family,and the special memories
you will have forever------Love you all
Scot Bokhoven and Family
11/11/2010
My deepenst sympathy to your family at this time. May God lay his comforting hand upon each one of you.
Scot Bokhoven and Family
New Sharon, Iowa
Sally (Sheehy) VanderLinden
11/11/2010
Linda: I am so sorry to hear of Gerry's death.
I remember him as a thoughtful and caring man. I recall the first time I met him while working at Jeanne's Cafe in the late 50's.
You are blessed to have your children and grandchildren close at this time and for the days ahead. You have My sincere sympathy. Sally
Jeff Linsted
11/10/2010
Its been a very long time since we've all seen each other but love for family is forever. I send my sincerest sympathies for the loss of a wonderful man. Wish we all could have stayed in contact but life seems to send us down many paths! I remember humorous heated battles about hawks/clones at family gatherings. Hope all of you are well! Be strong! Love, Jeff.
Julie (Lewis) Knoot
11/10/2010
Linda and family,
I was so sorry to hear about Gerry's passing. I have very fond memories of your family and the many times I babysat for your children. My sympathy to you all.
Jerrold and Norma Hanselman
11/10/2010
Linda and Family, We want all of you to know you are in our prayers. This is a difficult time in your lives.
Jerrold and Norma Hanselman
Linda Playle Ozbun
11/10/2010
My sympathies go out to your whole family! Our thoughts and prayers are with you all! I remember Gerry around town as we were growing up and he was always such a nice man! DeAnna, please know how sorry I am for you and your family!
Shelly (Dunnick) Robertson
11/10/2010
Linda, Brett, Steve and DeAnna
So sorry to receive the news about Gerry. Many fond memories of your family living in New Sharon and being friends with DeAnna. Enjoyed the times that I spent at your home as a child. Gerry will surely be missed. You are in our thoughts and prayers.