Gerry R. Cassabaum

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

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