Gerald "Jerry" Roberts

In Loving Memory
Gerald "Jerry" A. Roberts
February 11, 1932 - November 29, 2025

Jerry's Service was livestreamed and is able to be viewed here: Jerry's Funeral Service

Friday, December 5, 2025
5:00 - 7:00 PM (Memorial Tribute at 6:30 PM)
Geelan Funeral Home
Spencer, Iowa

MEMORIAL SERVICE
Saturday, December 6, 2025
1:00 PM
Sacred Heart Catholic Church
Spencer, Iowa

CLERGY
Rev. Kevin Richter

BURIAL
To be held at a later date.
Riverside Cemetery
Spencer, Iowa

Gerald “Jerry” Allen Roberts was born on February 11, 1932, in LeRoy, Minnesota, to Ralph “Hap” and Muriel “Short” (Shoemaker) Roberts, joining two older sisters. The family later settled in Everly, Iowa, where he spent most of his childhood. During World War II, they briefly moved to Pueblo, Colorado, while his parents worked in an ammunition plant, returning to Everly two years later. Jerry graduated from Everly High School in 1951.

In 1952, Jerry enlisted in the United States Navy during the Korean Conflict. He served as an Aviation Fireman before working in the carpenter shop in San Diego—an experience that shaped skills he would use throughout his life.

After his honorable discharge, Jerry returned to Spencer. He married Ruth Wadsworth in 1954, and together they welcomed a daughter, Renee. Jerry then began a 34-year career with Spencer Municipal Utilities (SMU), starting as a lineman and later becoming Line Supervisor.

On January 21, 1966, Jerry married Peggy Baack, the love of his life. Together they built a home filled with laughter, music, and adventure, raising two sons, Keith and Russell. His children—Renee, Keith, and Russell—were his greatest pride, and he cared for each of them deeply.

Jerry was a gifted woodworker who loved creating puzzles, boxes, miniature airplanes, and unique treasures. His workshop was a place of creativity, and many of his pieces became cherished gifts. He also loved music and was an accomplished guitar player. He and Peggy enjoyed motorcycle rides, camping, canoeing, square dancing, and roller skating, where they first met. In the 1970s, they performed in their country band, “The Country J’s,” and later brought joy to residents at local nursing homes through their music.

Jerry was an enthusiastic collector—keys, key chains, miniature toys, rulers, magnets, instruments, and wooden boxes of his own making. Each collection reflected his love of simple wonders.

He will be remembered for his gentle spirit, patience, wisdom, and the care he showed to others. Jerry's legacy lives on in the music he played, the items he crafted, and the hearts of all who loved him.

Jerry passed away on Saturday, November 29, 2025, in Spencer, Iowa. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Gwen and Myrt.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Peggy Roberts of Spencer, Iowa; his children, Renee (Greg) Wurtz of Jefferson City, Missouri, Keith (Teresa) Roberts of St. Louis, Missouri, and Russell Roberts of Chicago, Illinois; stepdaughter Benita (Buddy) Shoemake of Denver, Colorado; grandsons Brian (Hayley) Wurtz of Seattle, Washington, Michael Wurtz of Seattle, Washington, and Scott Wurtz of Colorado Springs, Colorado; step-grandsons Austin Shoemake and Zach Shoemake of Denver, Colorado; and great-granddaughters Charlotte and Eloise Wurtz.

Arrangements by Geelan Funeral Home