Jerold Luse

Jerold Luse, age 70, of Moravia died Thursday, July 23, 2009 at the Good Samaritan Home in Ottumwa, Iowa. At the age of four, Jerold and his parents, T.J. and Faye Walker Luse, moved from Polk County, Iowa to southern Monroe County. After graduating from Moravia High School in 1956, Jerold began his farming career on the farm East of Moravia. On May 14, 1961, Jerold married Carolyn Johnson at Drake Avenue Christian Church in Centerville. They lived on the family farm and are the parents of Brian E. Luse of Moravia and Leanne (Steve) Ports of Aurora, Illinois. Their grandchildren are Austin J. Luse of Moravia and Olivia Faye and Nicholas Alexander Ports of Aurora, Illinois. In recent years, Jerold's grandchildren were his pride and joy and he valued the time spent with the three of them. Jerold was a partner in Luse Family Farms until 1995; also a partner in the J.G. & B. Trucking, which operated from the family farm. Jerold was a member of the Grace United Methodist Church in Moravia. After moving to Moravia in 1998, Jerold and Carolyn were owners of the Moravia Union-Moulton Tribune newspapers for two years. Jerold worked part-time at Farm Service in Moravia, where...[more]

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s co-workers called him "Pops". Addicted to "big trucks", he drove for various individuals for a number of years. Jerold enjoyed traveling and for years a trip was taken each January, along with frequent short trips to Las Vegas, always staying at the Stardust. AK-SAR-BEN racetrack in Omaha was a favorite spot during horseracing season, especially when fieldwork was rained out for a day or two. That was long before Prairie Meadows. Boating and water-skiing were enjoyed at Lake of the Ozarks before Lake Rathbun became a second home get-away. Jerold always declared the Luses were the first to ski on Rathbun Lake before the boat docks were even in use. Probably illegal but FUN. Jerold often quoted his dad's phrase that "we work hard, then we play hard." Trucks were serviced during the night in the machine shed; then at daybreak the tractors were started and chores began. (The work hard method.) But come the week-end (if the work was done), Jerold was always ready to go somewhere. Brian and Leanne often said, "Dad and Mom missed very few Saturday evenings going out together." (Play hard when you have time.) Two favorite memories from years ago include a trip to Hawaii, when twelve of us traveled as "the Dirty Dozen." (Now nine of us remain.) The next year a Fun Ship Caribbean Cruise was enjoyed with good friends. As Jerold's health began to decline, he said it was good we took fun trips when were younger and healthier and trips were so affordable. Never big on cameras, he said he would remember places without pictures. Remember good times and laughter! The Dirty Dozen: Bob & Sandy Mitchell Stuart & Sandy Wright Ray & Carol Gardner Dwight & Alice Shaw Duane & Nancy Exline Jerold & Carolyn Luse An open visitation will be held from 3-8 PM, Sunday, July 26, 2009 at the Lange Funeral Home in Centerville, Iowa. A private graveside service will be held at a later date. A memorial has been established in Jerold's name and may be left at or mailed to the Lange Funeral Home 1900 S. 18th St., Centerville, Iowa 52544. Condolences may be left online at www.thomaslangefuneralhome.com.