Jerry Richard Fouch

Jerry Richard Fouch, 74, formerly of Perry, Iowa, and occasionally of England, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 3, 2026.

Graveside services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at Violet Hill Cemetery in Perry. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.caldwellparrish.com.

Jerry was born on October 13, 1951, in Perry, Iowa, to Richard and Ruth (Bane) Fouch. He graduated from Perry High School with the Class of 1969.

On February 28, 1969, Jerry married the love of his life, Karen Modlin, in Perry. Together they shared 47 wonderful years of marriage before Karen's passing in 2017. Side by side, they raised four children: Lisa, Kelly, Zoe, and Nathan.

Jerry attended the College of Mortuary Science in California and truly was a jack of all trades. Throughout his life, he embraced many different careers, including funeral director, automobile salesman, pipeline worker, groundskeeper, and ministry.

He worked alongside his father at Fouch Funeral Home in Perry, served at River Church in Tampa, Florida, cared for the grounds at Diamondhead Lake near Dexter, and faithfully participated in prison ministry. Whether he was serving families during times of loss or sharing God's love with those in need, Jerry dedicated himself wholeheartedly to helping others.

A devoted member of Calvary Assembly of God in Dexter, Jerry's faith was the foundation of his life. He loved ministering to others, sharing the Gospel, and leading people to Christ. No matter where he traveled, his faith naturally became part of every conversation.

He enjoyed keeping up with current events, reading the news, and had a lifelong appreciation for classic automobiles, especially his beloved 1957 Chevrolet.

In his younger years, Jerry enjoyed camping, boating, and making lasting memories with his children. In his youth, he played baseball and later coached. Full of energy and enthusiasm, he approached everything in life with passion and determination. Whatever Jerry set his mind to, he gave it his all - 100 percent. Above all else, his family was the greatest joy and priority in his life.

Jerry especially enjoyed traveling to England, where he loved exploring the small villages, meeting new people, and learning their stories. On August 9, 2019, Jerry was united in marriage to Shirley Thompson in Des Moines, Iowa. Together, they continued to share a life rooted in faith, love, and meaningful connection.

He is survived by his wife, Shirley Fouch of England; his children, Lisa Blair of Diamondhead Lake, Dexter, Kelly (Jill) Fouch of College Station, Texas, Zoe (Chris) Mars of Diamondhead Lake, Dexter, and Nathan Fouch of Stuart; his stepchildren, Gemma and Mark Dobson of England; 8 beloved grandchildren and 3 step-grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; his sister, Connie (Jim) Meester of Des Moines; along with many other relatives and friends.