Jerry A. Stickrod 1941 - 2017

STICKROD, ATKINS

Posted By: Connie Swearingen -Volunteer (email)
Date: 12/21/2017 at 22:46:50

Sioux City Journal
1 November 2017

Jerry A. Stickrod, 76, of Sioux City, died Friday, Oct. 27, 2017, at his residence.

Services will be 6 p.m. Thursday, with visitation from 5 to 7 p.m., at Waterbury Funeral Service of Sioux City, 4125 Orleans Ave. Graveside service will be 4 p.m. Friday in Grandview Cemetery, Grandview, Iowa, with military rites provided by the U.S. Air Force. A celebration of life will follow at Island United Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 2598 Stuart Road, in Muscatine, Iowa.

Jerry A. Stickrod was born on Aug. 29, 1941, in Muscatine, Iowa, the son of Kirk and Bertha (Atkins) Stickrod. He graduated from Louisa Muscatine High School in 1960. From 1961 to 1965, he served in the U.S. Air Force. He later graduated from West Texas State University and became a teacher of special education and elementary education at various schools in rural Texas and later in Sioux City. His students knew him as both teacher and friend—big hearted, playful, and invested in them unconditionally.

Jerry spent hours of his early and middle years fishing on the Mississippi River, and later with his sons in Oklahoma. He knew his way around catfish and crawdads and homegrown tomatoes better than most. He loved classic cars, John Wayne, pranks, stories, coin collecting, Christmas ornaments, but he especially loved animals and children, who loved him back with equal exuberance. Without fail, he seemed to be every dog's favorite visitor. He once tamed a squirrel that would follow him from the backyard into his living room to take pecans from his outstretched hand. Children adored him too. Any kid in Jerry's life heard the words, "Come to Papa" early and often and when they did they were held and hugged and sang to. When those same children grew older, Jerry was ready with spending cash, a jump start, a place to crash, and a sympathetic ear.

He found delight in simple things—a good song, an old coin, a warm grilled cheese—but most especially in people. Because of that, everyone who knew Jerry felt accepted and adored. He was a big presence with a trove of stories, an easy laugh and a huge heart. He'll be missed dearly.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Julie Stickrod, with whom he nearly perfected the Texas two-step. His absence will be felt by his seven children, David Stickrod and his wife, Christine of Amarillo, Texas, Thomas Stickrod and his wife, Michelle, of Amarillo, Kirk Stickrod of Amarillo, Laurie Stickrod of Amarillo, Kristina Ruby of Keller, Texas, Jennifer Hicks and her husband, Bill, of St. Paul, Minn., and Amy Delaney and her husband, Charlie, of Dakota Dunes, S.D. Jerry was the proud Papa to 13 grandchildren, Christopher, Melody, Nathan, Jake, Mackenzie, Bailey, Kennedy, Taylor, Riley, Max, Elle, Elliot and Oliver; two great-grandchildren; his brother, William Stickrod and wife, Diana of Grandview, Iowa; an aunt, Judith Buster of Eustace, Texas; many nieces and nephews; and his cherished former wife, Anna Stickrod.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his uncle, Ray.

Memorials in his name can be directed either to STARS (www.scstars.org), which provides animal therapy for children with disabilities, or by completing an act of kindness in Jerry's name.