Gerald "Jerry" L. Tish

Gerald (Jerry) Lee Tish, age 90, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Saturday, November 30, 2024.

Jerry was born August 21st, 1934, in Grinnell, Iowa to Reuel and Florence (Baltzley) Tish. He graduated from Searsboro High School in Searsboro, Iowa in 1952. He later attended both Grandview Jr. College (now Grandview University) as well as Drake University.

In 1953 he joined the U.S. Navy where he was an ET3-Electronics Technician serving active duty during the Korean War. His first job was as a mail clerk for the IRS and over the years he held a variety of jobs from Farmhand to City of Des Moines garbage collector, driving a taxi, and selling shoes at Younkers Department Stores but when he started his family he made his career at Firestone Tire & Rubber for over 20 years and then joined Colonial Bakery until his “retirement” at which point he started working part time jobs to keep himself active, involved and talking to strangers- he finally stopped working at age 83.

Jerry enjoyed many hobbies including reading, solitaire, dog obedience training, (for which he won awards), growing beautiful rose bushes for his wife Ruth and singing - Oh he loved to sing! - the twinkle of joy in his eyes as he sang was a sight to behold. During his wife's health struggles he would hold her hand and sing “Have I told You Lately That I love You” or “A Bushel and a Peck” But his children and others are pretty sure his favorite hobby was finding his next really bad “dad joke” or story. He had a new one almost every time he saw you and got such a kick out of telling them. Even if you had actually heard them 1 or 3 or 12 times before - he found joy in telling you again!

More than anything he treasured his family. He considered finding the love of his life Ruth as one of his life's major accomplishments - alongside his sons. His generosity of spirit was unrivaled as he opened his heart and his life to a large, loud and extended family. He leaves behind a family grieving the man, the light and the joy that left the world with him - but one last time he provided us some Joy in knowing he is at peace and with his love

He is survived by his sons Eric Tish and Joseph Tish, Step Children Jimmy (Gale) Goodwin, Rick Goodwin, Mark (Linda) Goodwin, & Dawn White, Brother Ron (Boots) Tish; as well as 14 grandchildren; 8 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his soulmate and spouse of 46 years Ruth Tish, stepson Wayne Goodwin, Parents Reuel and Florence, Sister Aleen, Brothers Samuel (Jack) and Elvin (Neal).

According to Gerald's wishes, cremation will occur and services & inurnment will be at Iowa Veterans Cemetery when it is good and warm out - He had a real dislike for the cold!

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to Furry Friends Refuge - West Des Moines.

Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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