Jerry Dean Hutcheson 1939 - 2023
HUTCHESON, TURNER
Posted By: Connie J Swearingen (email)
Date: 12/24/2023 at 21:16:07
Onawa Democrat
12 July 2023In Loving Memory of Jerry Dean Hutcheson
January 3, 1939 - June 30, 2023
The Hutcheson Family mourns the loss of a beloved son, brother, husband, father, and friend, Jerry Dean Hutcheson, who passed away on June 30, 2023, leaving behind cherished memories and a profound impact on all who knew him.
Born on a cold winter's day, January 3, 1939, in Onawa, Iowa, Jerry entered the world as the third of five children born to Clarence Willard Hutcheson and Cleo Heloise Turner Hutcheson. Growing up alongside his four siblings, Jack, Donna, Cliff, and Gene, Jerry developed an enduring bond with his family and a wonderful sense of humor that would accompany him throughout his life.
Jerry's journey began at Onawa High School, where he first honed his leadership skills. As the president of his graduating class in 1957, he demonstrated his dedication to his peers and alma mater. Over the years, Jerry took great pride in organizing class reunions, fostering a sense of camaraderie that endured long after their high school days. His commitment to his classmates was a testament to the loyalty and warmth he brought to every relationship.
While attending the University of Iowa in Iowa City, he developed a passion for Hawkeye sports, the English language, and classical music as he pursued an engineering degree. His college career was interrupted in 1961 when, alongside his brother Gene, Jerry answered the call to serve his country by joining the U.S. Army, eventually graduating from Artillery Officer Candidate School as a second lieutenant.
Jerry volunteered to go to Vietnam, but fate directed him to a different purpose. As part of the Signal Battalion in Fort Lewis, WA, he was assigned to assist U.S. Marshals with school integration in Biloxi, Mississippi, providing communication to the White House during a time when segregation ravaged our nation. The impact of those events never left his consciousness.
In 1964, Jerry embarked on a new chapter in his personal life when he married his first wife, Tina. After an honorable discharge from the U.S. Army in 1965, he finally earned a degree from the University of Washington, a testament to his unwavering commitment to personal growth and knowledge.
In 1970, he welcomed a baby daughter, Theresa, into the world. Although Jerry's first marriage ultimately ended in divorce, his unwavering love for his daughter continued to shine bright throughout their lives.
Jerry enjoyed many years of professional success. While in Washington, he joined IBM, where his hard work and dedication caught the attention of his superiors, leading to rapid advancement into managerial positions. Over the years, IBM took him on a transformative journey across the country, from Renton, WA, to Boise, ID, Denver, CO, Boca Raton, FL, and eventually to Memphis, TN.
In Memphis, Jerry's life took a beautiful turn when he crossed paths on the golf course with Virginia (Ginny), who would become his loving and devoted second wife in 1978. Ginny brought with her two daughters, Jacki and Stacy, from a previous marriage. Jerry embraced his new role as a stepfather wholeheartedly, raising the girls as his own and loving them with the same tenderness he showed to Theresa.
Then, with 22 successful years at IBM under his belt, Jerry embarked on a new professional adventure, partnering with his brother Gene on a business venture. The experience gained on that entrepreneurial path eventually led him to join Denver Academy as the Director of Finance. Under his capable guidance, the academy experienced transformative growth, including the construction of a brand-new high school building.
Finally in 2006, after a fruitful career, Jerry decided to retire and settle in Green Valley, Arizona, where he could bask in the year-round golf weather he had always dreamed of. Golf became his passion, and he relished every round he played. Beyond his personal enjoyment, he adored helping his grandchildren improve their golf swings, passing on his love for the sport to the next generation.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Clarence and Cleo Hutcheson, as well as his sister, Donna (Hutcheson) Creswell, and brother, Jack Hutcheson. He leaves behind a legacy of love and cherished memories, carried on by his beloved wife, Ginny Hutcheson; his daughter, Theresa (Hutcheson) Ritchie; his stepdaughters, Jacki (Mohling) Guerra and Stacy (Mohling) Rosenberger; their combined grandchildren, Te'a Ritchie, Tessa Ritchie, Dashiel Ritchie, Gabby Guerra, Marley Guerra, Zach Rosenberger, and Jessie Rosenberger; his two brothers Cliff and Gene Hutcheson; and his numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.
He will be remembered as a man of integrity, compassion, and resilience whose infectious laughter, genuine kindness, and unconditional love touched the hearts of all who crossed his path.
To honor Jerry's passion for golf and his desire to instill important values in children, a golf memorial will be established in his name through the First Tee Program in Tucson, Arizona. The program will empower children to learn the game of golf while building character and life skills. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry's memory can be made to the First Tee Program Tucson at https://firstteetucson.org/donate/ .
A Celebration of Life honoring Jerry Hutcheson will be held on July 15, 2023, in Onawa, IA at the Goslar Funeral Home Chapel beginning at 11:00 am with Pastor Clif Cockburn, officiating. A live stream of the service will be posted on the Goslar Funeral Home website with Jerry’s obituary. Military Honors will follow in the Onawa Cemetery and will be provided by the United States Army and the David McNeill American Legion Post #129, of Onawa, Iowa, ending with a reception at the Blue Lake Cabin in Lewis & Clark State Park to provide an opportunity for all who loved Jerry to come together, share stories, and find solace in each other's company as they honor his incredible life. Arrangements are under the direction of Goslar Funeral Home and Monuments, Onawa, Iowa.
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