Memorial
Jerry Allan Ottaway, 78, of Marion passed away on Friday, February 17 2017 at Oldorf Hospice of Mercy.
Jerry was born in December of 1938 during a blizzard to parents Ambrose and Mary (Gollobit) Ottaway. He graduated from Sabula High School in 1956, then went on to serve in the Navy from 1956-1961. On February 7th, 1959 he married Shirley Yirkovsky at St. Joseph Church in Marion, IA. He was a Member of St. Joseph for 58 years.
Jerry drove semi over the road for 40+ years. He drove for CRST for 13 years, Transport America for 18 years, Hawkeye International for 8 years and Ryder for 3 years. His children were blessed to be able to go on trips with him during the summer while they were growing up. Jerry’s special interests included taking Shirley to the casinos and spending time with his family, grandchildren and great grandchildren who lovingly referred to him as “Papa.” A member of Ducks Unlimited, he enjoyed attending their events. Jerry was a very kind, generous man that always had a story to share or a joke to tell. He is going to be truly missed by all who were blessed to have known him.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, his stepfather Ray Johnson, his brother Loren, his granddaughter, Sara Ottaway, his great grandson Spencer Ottaway, his brother in laws James Yirkovsky, Ken York Darrell Yirkovsky, Ronald Yirkovsky, Marvin Yirkovsky, his sister in laws Mariam Hauser, Patricia Bridge, and Edna Hunter.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 58 years, Shirley; his children Sharene Ottaway, Jim (Julie) Ottaway, Joyce (Jerry) Helmick, Steve (Janie) Ottaway, Julie (Jeff) Ottaway, Jeri (Dave) Ottaway, and Beverly Ottaway; his grandchildren Natasha (Chad) Kacere, Christie (Brandon) Frohling, Heather (Johann) Ottaway, Matt (Lisette) Ottaway, Tanya (Jake) Helmick, Jordan (Chris) Hanson, Zachary (Jeanne) Ottaway, Tommy Helmick, Joseph (Devin) Ottaway, Travis Helmick, Steven Ottaway, Jacob Ottaway and Toni Helmick; his great grandchildren Troy Ottaway, Bryden and Lenyx Frohling, Hadley and Kyah Ottaway, Kellan and Asher Kacere, Josh and Haley Hartsoe, Raelynn Ottaway, Claire Hanson and Mia Ottaway, his siblings Ron (Lawanna) Ottaway, Charlotte (Robert) Trypkosh, Joyce (Mike)Waller, Carol (Phil) Allen, Mary (Don) Bees, Bette (Don) Holub, Linda (Mark) Holman, and Ray Jr. (Chris) Johnson and many nieces and nephews.
A visitation will be held on Tuesday, February 21st from 4-8 pm at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral home. There will be a vigil service at 7 pm. Funeral services will be on Wednesday at St. Joseph Church of Marion at 10:30 am, with burial following. There will be a visitation an hour prior to the service at the Church. Per Jerry’s request, please dress casual.
The family would like to thank the Oldorf Hospice House for their exceptional care they provided to Jerry.
The family has established a memorial fund in Jerry’s name.