" Hhhhhhhh"
In loving memory of
Jerry Cowan
March 14, 1942 - December 25, 2018
In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to the MDS Foundation or the Algona Lions Club in Jerry's name.
A funeral service will be held at 11 AM on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at Grace Church, Algona. Visitation will be held from 10 to 11 AM on Saturday, December 29, 2018 at Grace Church, Algona.
Jerry Dale Cowan was born on March 14, 1942 in Algona, son of Harold 'Boy' and Vivian (Dale) Cowan. He grew up in Algona and graduated from Algona High School. Following high school he attended Parson's University.
He then returned home to marry his grade-school sweetheart, Sharon DeGroote. Jerry helped run the family lumber, ready-mix and construction company, Cowan Corp. Cowan Corp. built numerous buildings in Algona.
Jerry was a simple man and enjoyed the simple things in life. He enjoyed spending time with his family. He especially enjoyed attending all his grandchildren's activities. Jerry was an avid bird watcher and also enjoyed golfing.
Not a fan of cold weather, Jerry later moved to Florida where he lived to the end. Everyone found Jerry a very likeable man and he made friends everywhere he went. 'Big Jer', as he was known by many, was the life of every gathering. He lived by the motto "keep a smile on your face and a song in your heart" which all his extended family will treasure.
Jerry passed away on Christmas Day from MDS complications, surrounded by his family at his bedside. He was 76.
He leaves behind two loving children, Jeff (Cheryl) Cowan of Eden Prairie, MN, and their children Jack and Sydney Cowan; Cathy (Steve) McCauley of Algona, and their children, Kelsie (Joe) Johnson, Maggie (Lachlan) Kelley, Michael McCauley and Molly McCauley; two great-grandchildren, Jacie and Ryker Johnson; and brother, Jim (Gail) Cowan of Algona.
Preceding him in death are his parents and wife, Judy.
Tributes
"Am so sorry to hear.... Bev & I have been in ESCONDIDO with our daughter's family & our son's family (from Ankeny) .... Just returned home & received a phone call this morning (11th) or would not have known... I am so SORRY.... May ALL the warm memories in your heart, wrap around you now, and give you comfort and peace..... GOD BLESS.... Loving you, always.... JERRY D. GADE.... & BEV OLD FOOT WEDGE "SUSIE"..."
"I want to offer my deepest sympathy to Jerry's family. May your good memories of him help you to cope with your loss. Also, pray to the God of all comfort. When we lose a loved one, God wants us to rely on him for help. 2Corinthians 1:3,4"
"Dear Family. condolences on the passing of your Dad, Grandfather. Jerry and Lynda were such a big part , for so many years, of our shared community in Venice that it is hard to believe we won't be seeing his smiling face again. A true loss for all of us. Kris M."
" Jeff and Cathy so sorry to hear about Dad, thoughts and prayers go out to all the family's. "
"So sorry for your loss. I really enjoyed going to the lake house when Jerry was there. He was always smiling and making me laugh. Prayers of comfort during this difficult time. "
"Jeff and Cathy,, sorry to hear of your dads passing. Sending prayers at this difficult time. "
"Jeff and Cathy,, sorry to hear of your dads passing. Sending prayers at this difficult time. "
"Jeff and Cathy - so sorry for your loss. I will cherish all the childhood memories with you all. Sending love and blessings to you all."
"Many great memories of Jerry. Condolences to the family"
"Jeff and Cathy - so many memories of your dad especially at our track meets. He kept me going and smiling always! Beautiful spirit! Thinking of you all. "
"Cathy and Jeff, I am so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. Keeping you and your families in my thoughts and prayers."
"Our sincere sympathy to the family of Jerry Cowan, we cherish many fond memories of good times together. Jerry was a good guy and most likely the best natural athlete Algona High School has ever had! Connie and Neil Colwell"
"Cathy and Jeff-SO sorry about your father. What wonderful memories we have. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Jack and Ann."
"Jeff & Cathy, So sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. "
"Jeff and Cathy. Loved your dad. We have so many great memories we will always cherish! Our sympathy."