65313_Jerome Patrick “Diz”_Farrell
MASON CITY — Jerome P. “Diz” Farrell, 72, of Mason City, passed away Saturday June 7, 2014, at home in the loving arms of his wife, Norma.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, June 14, 2014, at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City, with the Rev. Kenneth Gehling officiating.
Jerry~s family will greet relatives and friends on Friday evening from 5 to 7 p.m. at Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel.
Those wishing to make a memorial donation can do so to Hospice of North Iowa in Jerry~s name.
Jerome Patrick Farrell was born Feb. 25, 1942, in Waterloo to Urban Joseph and Virginia May (Welsh) Farrell. Jerry grew up in Mason City, where he attended Saint Joseph~s Catholic School. Upon graduation in 1960, Jerry enlisted in the United States Navy where he served aboard the USS Little Rock and USS Arcadia. Jerry was involved in the Cuban Missile Crisis.
Upon his honorable discharge in October 1963, Jerry returned to Mason City where he began working for State Brand Creamery and met the love of his life Norma June Anderson. They were united in marriage June 5, 1965, at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Mason City. Two children were born to this union: Jeff Patrick on April 10, 1966, and Michelle Suzanne on May 4, 1970.
Jerry began working for Sears, Roebuck and Co. in 1969 where he was the central service manager until his retirement in March 1987.
Jerry remained active and busy during his retirement. Jerry~s hobbies included watching all types of racing motor sports, doing neighborhood snow removal, attending grandchildren~s school functions and activities with Norma, and working in his shop, train room, and garage. Nothing was ever beyond repair in Jerry~s mind. He was an avid H.O. Model Train enthusiast, with the Santa Fe Line being his favorite. He rarely missed the Saturday morning coffee time with his “train buddies.” His favorite pastime was being “Papa” to his grandchildren.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Norma of Mason City; son Jeff (Nancy) Farrell and children Jasmin and Matthew of East Bethel, Minnesota; daugher Michelle (Kurt) Lamers and children Courtney (fiance John), Mackenzie, Brogan, and Peyton of Mason City. He is also survived by brothers Ed (Audrae) Farrell of West Des Moines and Mike (Gerene) Farrell and family of St. Charles; as well as numerous friends and extended family.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and father- and mother-in-law, John E. and Elsie Anderson.
Norma and family want to express a sincere thank you to Dr. Ganesan and staff at the Mercy Cancer Center and Hospice of North Iowa for their compassion and excellent care of Jerry during his eight-month battle with lung cancer.
Hogan Bremer Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 Third St. N.E., Mason City. 641-423-2372. ColonialChapels.com
Mason City Globe Gazette, 11 June 2014