Gerald D. Jones

Gerald Dean Jones, 83, of Neola, Iowa passed away peacefully in his home on February 16, 2023. Gerald, also known as Jerry, was born on December 18, 1939 to Vern and Dessa Jones of Allen, Nebraska. Gerald attended Allen High School and had many treasured lifelong friendships with the class of 1959. Gerald and his family were members of the Springbank Friends Church in Allen, NE.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Vern and Dessa Jones, and his siblings, Miriam, Marjorie Rasmussen (Donald), Wayne, and Robert.

Gerald began work at Western Electric in Omaha, NE in the summer of 1959 as a tool and die maker until his retirement 42 years later. Throughout his career, Gerald was a member of the Communication Workers of America Union, Local 1974. In 1962, Gerald entered the Air Force National Guard in Lincoln, NE where he served for six years.

Gerald met the love of his life, Carroll ‘Elaine’ Hart, and the two were married in Elaine’s home state of West Virginia on July 20, 1963. They enjoyed nearly 60 years of marriage and were blessed with four children. They moved the family to Neola, IA in 1977 where they spent 46 years building their house into a home.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Elaine; Daughters: Terri Soppe (Kriss) of Cape Coral, FL, and Kelli Schneegass (Greg) of Neola, IA; Sons: Gregory Jones of Pueblo, CO and Kevin Jones (Spring) of Colorado Springs, CO; Grandchildren: Tara Soppe (Scott), Morgan Trim (Chris), Craig Nelson (Bethany), McKinley Allen (Jacob), Madelyn Jones, Garrett Jones; Great-Grandchildren: Taytum Soppe-Cope, Channing Soppe-Cope, Carson Trim, Camryn Trim, Aubrey Nelson, Oliver Nelson, and “famous baby” Lawson Allen. He was also blessed with step-grandchildren: Liane Sauda (Rob) and their girls Sydney and Zoey, and Bryant Schneegass (Kaylee).

Gerald is also survived by brothers and sisters-in-law: Lahoma Hart, Rose Joyce Hatcher, James Hart (Nora), Aubrey Hart (Janet), Carl Hart (Shelma), Connie Michalek, Randall Hart (Barbara), Merna Jones, and Mary Jones. Gerald was also blessed with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends.

Gerald was a man of many talents. He enjoyed camping, woodworking and loved to sing. He enjoyed many years singing with the Neola Community Choir and the Denison Happiness Express, a barbershop choir. Gerald spent 13 years of his retirement as a driver for Manheim Omaha where he gained many great friendships. Gerald regularly worshipped at the Shelby United Methodist Church and Faith Community Bible Church.

Visitation will be at Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home on Tuesday, February 21 from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be held at Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home in Council Bluffs, IA. on Wednesday, February 22 at 11:00 a.m. Lunch will be served for family and friends immediately following the service. Interment will be held at the Neola Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to the Neola Volunteer Fire Department.