Jerry Cole

Jerry Lynn Cole, 83, of Winterset, passed away Thursday, April 9, 2026 at MercyOne Medical Center in Des Moines.

Jerry was born July 25, 1942 in Des Moines, Iowa, the middle child (running family joke) of Glen and Loretta Cole. He graduated from Des Moines Technical High School in January 1960. On July 6, 1961, he was united in marriage to Judy Young, the love of his life.

Jerry spent most of his life in Warren County where he was a part-time farmer while working full time as a printing salesman in Des Moines. He was a member of Toastmasters International, where he served as past president. He led a group of Awana kids for 10 years at Martensdale Community Church.

When Jerry was not working, he spent weekends with family camping and water skiing. He was an avid fisherman and hunter. Many summers were spent in Canada fishing. He was never able to beat the “biggest catch” by the love of his life. P.S. Quantity was never the problem.

Jerry loved to tinker in the toy box at the farm, where he manufactured many wood toys, furniture, and kitchen accessories.

When Jerry and Judy retired, they enjoyed camping in their RV’s and managed to visit every state in the U.S. except Hawaii. But they did fly to Hawaii for their 25th anniversary.

They also became snowbirds and spent 6 months of the year in sunny Arizona for 20 years. There he enjoyed golfing, jeeping in the mountains, and making many new friends from all parts of the U.S.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years Judy; daughter, Jackie Trulson; son, Jay (Denise) Cole; brothers, Marvin Cole and Wayne (Joyce) Cole; grandchildren, Ashleigh (Justin) Venn, Traci (Nick) Grillet, Bret Cole, and Aaron Cole; great-grandchildren, Alex Venn, Hunter Venn, and Kal Venn; and nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Glen and Loretta Cole; son-in-law, Greg Trulson; sister-in-law, Patty Cole; and nephew, Brian Cole.

Please join the family for a celebration of life service to honor Jerry at 11:00 a.m., Tuesday, April 14, 2026 at the Redeemer Church in Winterset. Everyone is invited to lunch and fellowship following the service.

Jerry was a faithful supporter of Christian missionaries around the world. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that you consider honoring his legacy by making a memorial donation to support these missions. Contributions may be made payable to Judy Cole.