Gerald Joseph “Jerry” Konz, passed away on December 11, 2011, in his home, surrounded by his family. Jerry was born March 3, 1948, to John and Irene (Ausdemore) Konz of Neola, Iowa. Growing up, he was a resident of Neola and was the eldest of 11 children. Jerry graduated from St. Albert High School in 1966 and served in the Iowa National Guard until 1971, attaining the rank of Specialist 4. He married Sandra Merkert on September 20, 1969. They raised their family on a farm outside of Minden, Iowa. Jerry was a member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Neola, where he was a 4th Degree in the Knights of Columbus. He was a past St. Albert school board member and received the Spirit of St. Albert Award in 1993.

Jerry was a life-long farmer, but his greatest passion was living as a devoted husband, father, and grandfather. He was preceded in death by his son, Barry Gerard Konz; mother, Irene Konz, and in-laws, Elden and Marjorie Merkert. Jerry’s survivors include his loving wife of 42 years, Sandra (Merkert); his son, Matthew and wife, Erin of Richmond Hill, Georgia; his daughter, Sheila Puyleart and husband, Todd, of Forest lake, Minnesota; his daughter, Michele Crystal and husband, Bill of Adel, Iowa; and his son, Scott and wife Jaime, of Oakland, Iowa; and his grandchildren, Sarah, Rachel and Naomi Puyleart, Jacob and Caleb Crystal, Ava and Cauy Konz, and Baby Konz arriving in the spring; his siblings, family and friends.