Jerry Hancock

A service honoring Jerry’s life will be 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 19, at First Presbyterian Church. The family will greet friends from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 18, at the Gunderson Funeral Home. Cremation rites have been entrusted to Gunderson Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Memorials may be directed to the discretion of the family.

Jerry was born on June 30, 1937, in Des Moines. Jerry, and his twin brother Larry, were adopted at birth by K.W. “Skip” and Olga “Bergie” (Bergstrom) Hancock. Jerry was reared and educated in the Knoxville school system and also attended Drake University. Jerry and Betty Jo Barnett were united in marriage on May 2, 1957. To this union, two children, Kim and Greg, were born. The couple later divorced. In 1977, Jerry and Ruth Elaine Steenhoek were married in Elk Point, SD and they celebrated 47 years of marriage. Jerry was employed by Mary Jane Bread and Hy-Vee while in high school. He was employed by Matag, Omar and Butternut Bakeries as a route salesman. He worked at Diamond Laboratories and also at the V.A. Hospital. In 1966, Jerry became a sworn member of the Iowa State Patrol and was stationed in Avoca, Red Oak, and Fort Dodge, retiring in 1993.

Jerry is survived by his wife Ruth; his children, Kim and Greg (Ynes); and his granddaughter Taylor (Jake) Sorenson and great grandsons Jackson, Maverick, and Teagan. And we can't forget Cooper, his goldendoodle. He was preceded in death by his parents, and his twin brother Larry.

One of Jerry’s greatest joys was watching Taylor in her dance and cheerleading. She was a joy in his life. Jerry was a 50-year member of the Masonic Lodge, a member of the Iowa State Troopers Association, Iowa State Police Association, Retired Peace Officers Association, and First Presbyterian Church. He enjoyed golf, bowling, and sprint car racing.