Jewell V. Ferdig 1924-2011

FERDIG ELLIOT DOUGLAS

Posted By: Connie Swearingen (email)
Date: 7/1/2011 at 21:35:05

Sioux City Journal
27 March 2011

SIOUX CITY -- Jewell V. Ferdig, 86, of Sioux City died March 23, 2011, at a Sioux City hospital.

Services will be 10 a.m. Tuesday at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, with the Rev. Daniel C. Guenther officiating. Burial will be in Calvary Cemetery, with military rites conducted by the U.S. Army Reserves. Visitation will be 4 to 8 p.m. Monday, with the family present 6 to 8 p.m. and a vigil service at 7 p.m., at Morningside Chapel, Christy-Smith Funeral Home. Condolences may be sent online to www.christysmith.com.

Mr. Ferdig was born Oct. 29, 1924, in Smithland, Iowa, the son of Frank and Rose (Elliot) Ferdig. He was raised in Climbing Hill, Iowa. He served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1947, during World War II.

On July 16, 1945, he married the only woman he ever loved, Juanita M. Douglas in Sioux City. The couple had two children, Vernon and Teresa. In 1950, Jewell and his brother, Gayle, started Ferdig Landscaping. Jewell continued the landscaping business for 27 years. He retired in 1977.

After his retirement, he enjoyed collecting things and fixing them up. He also loved collecting coins, playing cards, gardening, woodworking and was active in a bowling league. He enjoyed frequenting the casinos and just being outdoors. Jewell and Juanita were former members of St. Francis Catholic Church until it's closing. They were current members of Immaculate Conception Catholic Church. Jewell was a loved and respected husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend to all.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Juanita M. of Sioux City; his son, Vernon L. Ferdig of North Carolina; his daughter, Teresa J. Kentner of Sioux City; six grandchildren, Jacob and Julia Kentner, Marty, Steve, Shane and Nick Ferdig; three great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a granddaughter, Robyn Ferdig; a sister, Ione Peterson; and six brothers, Lester, Bernard, Marshall, Everett, Russell and Gayle Ferdig.