Jerry Bates, born in Montgomery, County, Iowa on October 9, 1940, passed away on Monday, September 4, 2023, at Nebraska Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska surrounded by his family who cherished him.

The son of Donald and Elsie (Weseen) Bates, Jerry grew up on a farm near Elliott, Iowa. He graduated from Elliott High School in 1958. Immediately following his graduation, Jerry enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed in Korea.

After his discharge from the Army in 1962, Jerry returned to Elliott. On April 14, 1963, he was united in marriage to Diane Seastrom in Red Oak, Iowa. Jerry and Diane made their home and raised their family on a farm southeast of Elliott until 1990 when they moved to Grant. Jerry was a proud farmer. He loved the farming industry, particularly raising livestock and maintaining his land, something in which he took great pride.

As a community member, Jerry served on the Board of Directors for the Federal Land Bank. He was a member of the Mills-Montgomery County Cattleman's Association. Additionally, he was a member of the Pilot Grove United Methodist Church.

Throughout his life, Jerry enjoyed traveling to many countries, playing cards, dancing, and attending country music jams, as well as having coffee with his friends at the Rainbow Café. He liked chatting with people and within no time at all, he was able to make new acquaintances into old friends. Jerry was devoted to his family and relished talking to and about his three cherished grandsons.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of 60 years, Diane of Grant, his daughters, Debra James of Dallas, Texas and Dana Bates (Charlie Carson) of Scottsdale, Arizona and three grandchildren: Chaz, Dylan, and Jack Carson of Scottsdale, Arizona. He is also survived by his siblings, Barb Schroeder (Ron), James Bates (Sandy) and Joanne Vogliardo (Mike), along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Jerry will be greatly missed. May God Bless his Memory.

A celebration of life service with military honors will be held 10:30 AM Friday, May 24, 2024, at the United Church of Hope in Elliott, Iowa formerly the Elliott United Methodist Church. A time of lunch and fellowship will follow at the Elliott Community Building. Memorials are suggested to the Montgomery County Veterans Memorial Court of Honor.

Nelson-Boylan-LeRette Funeral Chapel is in charge of arrangements.