Jerome Stripling

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the passing of our ever so loved husband, father and papa, Dennis Jerome Stripling. In his final moments, surrounded by his family and in the comfort of his home, Jerome left his earthly body on May 31st, 2024 at the age of 89. He was born on November 16, 1934 in Algona, Iowa to Mike and Jesse Stripling, and was one of 8 children. Jerome, being a farm boy, was never afraid of hard work and never missed a meal, especially a meal of Malunts (a favorite family tradition.) He was also an exceptional athlete and what many called a superstar and sharpshooter on the basketball court. The DSM Register once reported he and his sister both tallied 45 points each on the same night. Jerome was recruited by the University of Iowa but chose to play for UNI in Cedar Falls as he was pursuing a teaching degree.
On Jan. 4, 1954 Jerome married Donna Rae Harper in Manhattan, Kansas. Their union was a beautiful illustration of commitment, compassion and a testament of their unyielding love of 70 years. Jerome is survived by his wife Donna and their 4 children, Debra (Mark) Pugh, Jeff (Lylia) Stripling, Stephanie (Marc) Bianco and Stacia McGriff and their 11 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren.
In 1953 Jerome enlisted in the US Army at the end of the Korean war. He was stationed in Ft. Bragg, NC and was in the 10th Inf. Division at Ft. Riley. Jerome was in the 82nd Airborne where he as a paratrooper and field wireman. He was honorably discharged in 1955. Jerome graduated from the University of Northern Iowa with a Bachelor's degree in Education. He furthered his education by attending Northwestern Missouri State obtaining over 30 hours toward a Master's Degree. In 1959, Jerome was then hired and became one of the most prominent teachers and coach for the Montezuma Community School District. Many would remember he was 'Friday Nights Voice' of MHS as the announcer for football for many years. From 1959-1987, 'Mr. Stripling' taught Mathematics and was the HS Golf Coach. It was once said, he stepped up to coach the HS Girls Basketball program that risked being eliminated in 1959. Jerome also coached JH Basketball, Track and Football. Coach Stripling was also a regular on the track as a timer and some students recall him filling in as Cross Country coach and even an umpire behind the plate at MHS. There was never a sport or event he wouldn't help with. After 28 years teaching at Montezuma, Jerome retired but his working days never ended.
He continued his part time summer job as a construction manager with Bushong Construction, always taking pride and perfection in his concrete work. After retiring from concrete work, Jerome started once again another career, installing bleachers and grandstands for Stadiums Unlimited (Grinnell, IA) and Outdoor Aluminum (Geneva, AL) for many more years. As construction supervisor, the companies relied on him for the installation on many big projects. A few included an 8000 seat stand in Reno, Nevada for the renowned Reno Air Show, Oregon State University and even the Ag Building at the Iowa State Fair. Jerome installed in many states, some included, Washington, California, Utah and Oregon. He was well known by many as the 'go to installation guy' for both companies.
Unfortunately, in 1991 Jerome suffered a misdiagnosed epidural abscess on his spinal cord which led to paralysis and severe nerve damage from his waist down. He was left with life threatening conditions. Jerome was initially life flighted from a small Wyoming hospital to Salt Lake City, Utah where emergency surgery was performed. Several of his Neurosurgeons professed walking again was not going to be an option. Jerome used the 10% odds he was given to force his brain to then teach his legs to move. It was a very long hard battle with many more health issues he tried to conquer and having an already weakened body from 1991, he fought every inch of the way until his passing in 2024. The family remembers his always and forever saying when asked, "How are you Gramps?", "Ohhhhh..Better than some, worse than others."
A Military Honor Service will be held on July 10 in Portland, Oregon at the Willamette National Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held in Montezuma, Iowa in late August or early fall with date to be announced. Holland-Coble Funeral Home of Montezuma is in charge of the local arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, the family of Jerome suggests reaching out to Donna with your support and love at 13551 SE Shannon View, Clackamas, Oregon 97015.
Jerome's (STRIP) life lives on in the hearts and minds of his loving family and friends.