"Vicki, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. My heartfelt prayers are for you and your family to find peace in a life well lived. I think of you often."
Rev. Jerald E. Firby, age 66, of Quincy, formerly of Logan Iowa went to be with his heavenly Lord Friday, June 15, 2018, at 2:38 p.m. in his home after a brief but fierce battle with cancer.
Pastor Firby was born October 21, 1951 in Ypsilanti, Michigan, the son of Arthur and Doris Hart Firby. He married Vicki Behmlander on February 28, 1970 in Dearborn, Michigan.
After Pastor Firby and Vicki married, he joined the United States Army and served in the Vietnam War from 1971 to 1974. He received his Master's degree from Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN. Pastor Firby served his Lord in Decatur, Arthur, and Logan, IA. He spent most of his time in Logan where he retired after 20 years at Immanuel Lutheran Church.
He was a member of the Legion Riders out of Logan, IA and the American Legion Post 37 in Quincy. One of his most memorable events was having the privilege of participating in the Honor Flight in April. Pastor Firby loved to ride his Harley Davidson motorcycle. He was also an avid artist, enjoyed golfing, music, woodworking, and being with his family. But most of all, he loved to preach and share the message of our loving Savior.
In addition to his wife, Vicki, Pastor Firby is survived by two daughters, Andi (Aaron) Clark of Quincy, and Amy (Shannon) Lewis of Bellevue, NE; six grandchildren, Harrison and Hayden Clark, Miriam (Noah) Davis, and Trinity, Christian, and Naomi Lewis; a brother, Allen (Jodi) Firby of Ishpeming, MI; numerous nieces and nephews; and his beloved dogs, Shep, Zoey, Ali, and Angel Firby.
Jerald was preceded in death by his parents, and his sister, Shannon Firby.
Services: 11:00 am Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at the Lutheran Church of St. John, with Rev. Steve Hayden, Rev. Kendall Meyer, and Rev. David Kuhnle officiating.
Visitation: 10:00 - 11:00 am, Tuesday June 19, 2018 at the Lutheran Church of St. John
Memorials: Great River Honor Flight, Christian Motorcyclists Association, or the Lutheran Church of St. John
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
"Vicki, I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. My heartfelt prayers are for you and your family to find peace in a life well lived. I think of you often."
"Lewis family, we are so sad to hear of the passing of your father and grand father. I have memories of him being an amazing parent and grandparent to your family. A man devoted to all of you and to his savior. We are thinking of you and hugging you in our hearts. Jon, Becky, Caleb, Jacob, Benjamin and Joshua Matthews."
"I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Pastor Firby was a wonderful man, and he will be greatly missed."
"Shannon - so sorry to hear of your families loss. Sending hugs and prayers to all of you. Love, aunt Barb"
"Vicki and family. So sad to hear of your loss."
"We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all."
"Vicky I'm so sorry to hear about your loss that was really fast, prayers and sympathy will be with you"
"Vicki & Family. I am so sorry to hear of Pastor Firby's passing. The Logan Immanuel Lutheran Church was very fortunate to have him as our Pastor for so many years. May God wrap his loving arms around you and give you peace, comfort & strength. Please know that you are in my thoughts & prayers. Well Done Good and Faithful Servant. Many blessings to you."
"God bless!!"
"I am so sorry to hear this. Prayers to Vicki and the whole family at this sad time."
"Have not known Pastor Firby long, but enjoyed his sermons very much. Very kind and made us feel welcomed into Immanuel when our Son Daniel was ordained and Installed as Pastor which he and Pastor Ray officiated. R.I.P. dear Pastor Firby you will be missed and our prayers will be with your family for strength and acceptance."
"We are so very sad to learn of his passing... Prayers for Vicki and family...?? ? God?s peace, comfort, and healing....???"
"Vicki and family, I am so sorry for your loss, I'm so glad I had the honor to meet him and you, Prayer's to you and the family. This hit hard for Bob too. Please take care."