Jerry Vaughn Griep (1936-2021)

GRIEP, RIEDESEL, OTTO

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 5/23/2021 at 17:43:29

Jerry Vaughn Griep, 84, of DeWitt, Iowa, died at his home away from home, Prairie Hills of Clinton. Memories of a full life were his joy to converse about. Alzheimer’s disease sometimes changed the details, but smiles and laughter prevailed until his last day Thursday afternoon, May 6, 2021.

Jerry was born August 19, 1936 in Clinton. After graduating from DeWitt High School, he played football at Iowa State, worked at Case IH in Bettendorf and in those early years discovered that a lifelong home for his wife and family, farming in DeWitt, was his calling. He married Barbara Riedesel of Grand Mound on April 28, 1957. They raised Rodney of DeWitt, Brian of DeWitt and Lisa (Troy) Haines of Weldon, Illinois.

Grandchildren, Jeremiah (Kayleen) Griep of DeWitt, Julia (Ryan) Lieferman of Eldridge, Jamie (Brandon) Bowman of Donahue, and RJ (Alyssa) Griep of Kansas City, Missouri will miss him. Great-grandchildren, Oliver, Damian, Joslyn and Walter will no doubt hear legendary stories about him.

Parents, Arthur Otto and Alta Mae (Vaughn) Griep and a brother, Thomas preceded him in death. A sister, Eleanor Kurtz of Clinton survives.

A private graveside farewell for immediate family will be held Monday, May 10, 2021, at Elmwood Cemetery, DeWitt.

Arrangements are in the care of Schultz Funeral Home, DeWitt. Condolences may be expressed and a photo tribute viewed at www.schultzfuneralhomes.com.

“What we have once enjoyed, we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes part of us.” – Helen Keller