Photo courtesy of Reiff Funeral Home - Epworth
Jul 21, 1952 - Dec 5, 2018
My heart goes out to all family and friends of Jerry's. He is a wonderful memory of days gone by at Western Dubuque. Part of the circle of friends, he was a great friend and just a "hoot" in study periods. No doubt he will be missed by many. He's not far and awaits many to follow him through the gates of freedom. Hugs to All
Mary Hinderman
December 11, 2018 | Davenport, IA | Classmate
Dear Deb, We are so sorry for the loss of Jerry. You two were definitely made for each other and I'm sure you enjoyed all your years together. He was one of the best friends I had in school and we enjoyed many a good time. I wish I could have made the visitation, but we had out of town company. You and your family will continue to be in our prayers. Much Love. Mark and Donna Hoeger
Mark Hoeger
December 10, 2018 | Dubuque, IA | Classmate
You have our most sincere condolences on Jerry's passing. He may be gone, but I will always have my memories of high school with Jerry. Rest in Peace, Jerry.
Bruce and Sharon Besler
December 10, 2018 | Dyersville, IA | Friend
Deb and family, sorry to hear of Jerrys passing. Prayers for you and your family.
Bonnie Coyle
December 09, 2018 | Epworth, IA | Friend
So sorry for your family's loss. I worked with him at John deere.
Kevin Driscoll
December 08, 2018 | Dubuque, IA | Coworker
Knew Jerry since back in the 80's. He broke me in on a job. We would run into one another on and off through out our years at Deere. Nice guy. Condolences to all his family and friends.
Hank Fassbinder
December 07, 2018 | Guttenberg, IA | Coworker
Jerome J. “Forky” Forkenbrock, 66, of Epworth, Iowa passed away peacfully Wednesday December 5, 2018 at 6:15 a.m. at his home in Epworth, Iowa surrounded by his family.
The family will greet friends and relatives of Jerome from 1 to 6 p.m., Saturday, December 8, 2018 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa.
He was born July 21, 1952 in Alton, Iowa, son of Bernard and Esther (Bergfeld) Forkenbrock. He is a graduate of Western Dubuque High School in Epworth. On March 2, 1974 and March 31, 2018 he was united in marriage to Debbie McDermott. He was employed at the John Deere Dubuque works for 40 years.
He was an avid Harley Davidson rider. He loved spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandson, Ean.
He is a veteran, having served in the Air Force as an Airman and K-9 Patrol.
He is survived by his wife, Debbie Forkenbrock of Epworth, IA; A daughter, Hilary (James) Muir of Farley, IA; a grandson, Ean J. Muir of Farley, IA; two brothers, Fred Forkenbrock of Egan, MN and David (Sue) Forkenbrock of Sarasota, FL; his mother-in-law, Coletta McDermott of Cascade, IA; sisters and brothers-in-law, Patrick (Marva) McDermott, Donna (Patrick) Smith, Sharon (Dave) Reardon, Bernard (Mary) McDermott, Mary (Gerry) McDermott-Weydert all of Dubuque, John Gansen of Epworth, Bonnie (Neal) Gotto of New Vienna, IA, Terry (Connie) McDermott of Dubuque, and Rhonda (Tom) Gotto of Epworth.
He is preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law, Donald “Bennie” McDermott; his brother, James Forkenbrock; sisters and brother-in-law, Peggy Gansen, James McDermott and Mary Forkenbrock.
The family would like to thank Special Friends Ron McKiernan and Earl Pfab, Dr. Shaw, Dr. Hermann, Tony and Sandy at Grandriver Oncology and Dr. Johlin at the University of Iowa Hospital and the staff at Hospice of Dubuque, especially Edna and Nicole for all the care and support they gave to Forky.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com
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