"Judy and family - I was saddened to read of your father's passing - may your memories bring you some comfort at this trying time. Prayers for you all. Mary (Haag) Hulsebus"
In loving memory of
Jerry J. Ferstl
July 17, 1938 - April 14, 2016
A funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday at 10:30 AM at St. Benedict Catholic Church in St. Benedict, with Father Peter Nguyen and Reverend Mr. William Black officiating. Burial will be in St. Benedict Catholic Cemetery.
Visitation will be from 4 to 7 PM Monday at Oakcrest Funeral Services of Algona with a Scripture Prayer Service beginning at 7 PM. Online condolences may be made to www.oakcrestfuneralservices.com.
Jerry John Ferstl was born on July 17, 1938, to Richard and Mary (Freese) Ferstl. Jerry attended St. Benedict Catholic School till the 9th grade and graduated from Algona High School. He married JoAnne Hollister on May 26, 1956. Together they raised a family of five children.
Jerry worked for Western Electric for 5 years and then started farming. In 1985, he began working as a crop adjuster and continued this until 2016. In his free time he loved watching the Chicago Cubs and playing cards whenever the family was together. He so loved his grandchildren and always attended many of their sporting and other events. He was proud he had seen all of his granddaughters graduate from college so far. He was also truly in love with his 3 1/3 great-grandchildren. Jerry and JoAnne enjoyed wintering in Mesa, Arizona every year since 2003.
Left to cherish his memory is his wife of 60 years, JoAnne Ferstl of Algona; their children, Jerri L. Ferstl of Des Moines, Judy (Tom) Loebig of Wesley, Joyce (Chad) Harms of Hutchins, Janet (Dick) Farrell of Des Moines, and John (Shari) Ferstl of Oakdale, MN; his grandchildren, Jamie Loebig (Steve Wilkens), Nikki (Steve) Grandgenett, Stephanie (Travis) Angell, Kyle Arey, Hollister Farrell, Hillaree (George) Biddlecome, Harrison Farrell, Shelby Ferstl, Kelsie Ferstl, Colton and Colby Harms, and Kailey and Kasey King; his great-grandchildren, Abigail Angell, Breckin Grandgenett, Benson Angell, and Baby Grandgenett in October. He is also survived by a sister, Sylvia Kaminski of Omaha, NE, a brother-in-law, John Pfeffer of Ames, a sister-in-law, Edith Pfeffer and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant daughter, one sister, LaVonne Grandgenett; a brother, William "Billy" Ferstl; mother and father in law, Pauline and Leroy Pfeffer; brothers-in-law, Al Grandgenett, Paul Pfeffer, and Bill Laing, a sister-in-law, Judy Laing, and a godson, Joe Ferstl.
Tributes
"This seems so unreal, Joanne . My thoughts are with you and your family at this time. You and Jerry had a wonderful relationship. And many good times---those memories will help you."
"I was so very sorry to hear of your loss. My deepest sympathy to all. You are in my thoughts and prayers. "
"I met Jerry in 2006 in Aberdeen, SD doing silage appraisals. We were the only two there and I was a rookie. I went down to his room the first morning and asked him what I needed to know. He said, "do you like beer", I told him "yes I do". He said to come back to the room at 4:30 and we will solve all problems. We continued to be friends over the years and always appreciated him wisdom and help over the years. Deepest sympathy to the entire family. Paul Olson (JD & FMH adjuster)"
"Our precious JoAnne, Jan ,Hollister, Hillaree, Harrison, Dick, George & the entire family there are no words to describe our sorrow at your loss. Unfortunately there are also no words to make your pain go away. But please remember your hero & husband & dad & grandpa woke up in God's arms, your angel, and he is waiting & watching out for you all, as he has always done; and some day you will all be united and will walk across Heaven together, his most beloved family. You all have done him proud all of these years & will continue to do so. We love and cherish you all! Ron, Edna Mae & Aaron "
"I am really sad. You are all in my prayers, tomorrow too."
"JoAnne and family - My sincere sympathy. Many good memories of Jerry as we go way back to first grade at St. Benedict through high school at AHS. May God bless you and keep you during this difficult time. Virginia Simons Wentzel"
"Jan and Dick, Lonnie and I send you our deepest condolences. We love you and certainly understand the defined loss of absence you feel in your hearts right now. Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. May his loving memory remain in your hearts forever. Sending you hugs from Raymondville, Texas. "
"You have our deepest sympathy. It is hard losing a family member, but remember he is with his Heavenly Father. God bless your family in this time of sorrow. Julie & Pete Pesicka."
"Judy and family, Sorry to hear of your dad's passing. It is never easy. Now you will really see by hearing all the memories, just how loved he was. God bless you all. Kathie Ricke"
"Sorry to hear of this loss. May God receive him into the kingdom. May God hold his family close as they go through this trial."
"So sorry to hear of the passing away of Jerry. We have many fond memories. We always enjoyed your company and had a fun time. You have our Deepest Sympathy Hugs and prayers to you Joann and your family. "
"So sorry to hear of the passing away of Jerry. We have many fond memories of Jerry. Bob just said to me, we always had a fun time together. You have our Deepest Sympathy on your loss. Prayers to you, Joann and your family. Bob and Betty Lappe "
"Heaven truly received another "Angel"!! They don't come any better than this guy! Please give Shar a big "hug" from me! Jo, so sorry for all of you with this great loss! God Bless! Syl Downs Baker"
"We were very surprised and sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. He was a great friend and will be missed. Really enjoyed the time we were able to spend together."
"JoAnn and family: Have many fond memories of my babysitting days at your home. You were great neighbors. Please know you are all in my thoughts and prayers. Carol Arndorfer"
"May God be with you all throughput this time of sorrow. Prayers for all of you,and also the class of 1978 from Algona High School. "
"Joann and Kids. I am so sorry to hear of the loss of Jerry, I can not list all the fond memories that I have of him and your family over my lifetime. He will truly be missed by all that knew him. I am sending my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time."
"My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you at this difficult time. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. "
"Our thoughts and prayers are with you."
"JoAnn and kids----I am so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. What a blessing it was that I was able to see him in Arizona this winter. Talk about a guy that NEVER aged!?! His humor and gentle heart will surely be missed....I'm pretty sure he and Mom are toasting a couple together already. Keep your ears and eyes open for signs that he's watching over all of you. They will make your heart smile. Love to all!"
"John, JoAnn & family, you have our deepest sympathy. I'm blessed to have known Jerry and fortunate to have been able to enjoy numerous fishing adventures with him and John over the past few years. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of loss. Jeff & Jeni Messner"
"You have my sympathy, JoAnn. I will try to attend the visitation on Monday evening. With my love, Evelyn Friedrich."
"Jo Ann & families, you have my deepest sympathy on your loss. May God comfort you at this time. Lots of memories with the boys. (John & Doug)"