Jerry Bailey

Jerry Bailey, 87, of Zearing, Iowa, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Tuesday, October 21, 2025. A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at the Dakins Community Center in Zearing from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Immediately following the visitation, a luncheon will be held. Graveside services will be at Lincoln Township Cemetery at 1:15 p.m.
Jerry was born in Marshalltown, IA, on October 9, 1938, to Carroll and Elizabeth (Kellison) Bailey. Jerry and his two younger sisters were raised by their mother, a teacher, and their father, a banker, in Zearing, Iowa. After graduating from Zearing High School in 1956, Jerry joined the US Navy, where he served for four years. Shortly after returning home from serving his country,y he married the love of his life, Norma Jean Nordstrom, on June 18, 1961. The couple lived in Zearing, where they began their family. Jerry would go on to work in the auto body industry for sixty-three years, forty-three of those as the owner of Jerry's Body Shop in Zearing. In 1993, after the industry began to decline, Jerry decided to add on a new business venture and purchased a small sanitation company that had been established by his friend and neighbor, Earl Gray. That company, Jerry's Sanitation, is still in operation today.
Jerry enjoyed working, golfing, tinkering on his '65 Ford Galaxie, and spending time with his family, especially his four grandchildren. He continued working at Jerry's Sanitation even after his declared retirement. Anyone who knew Jerry knew he was not one to stay idle for very long. He was always involved in some aspect of the Zearing community. Jerry was a member of the Zearing Christian Church, the Zearing Fire Department for 59 years, the Zearing First Responders for over 50 years, he was a member of the Zearing High School Alumni for over 20 years, and served on the Zearing Planning and Zoning Board. Jerry leaves behind a legacy of hard work and quiet kindness. His wisdom, subtle humor, and altruistic love of both family and community are deeply missed by those who were fortunate enough to know him.
Those left to cherish his loving memory are his sons Stuart (Joannie) Bailey of Zearing, IA, and Devin (Makayla) Bailey of Zearing, IA; grandchildren Tucker, Clara, Gwendolyn, and Everett Bailey; sisters Cheyrl Bowman and Sandra Stephens; nephew Rick Bowman; nieces Shana (Aaron) Wells, and Meredith Moran; brother-in-law Kenny Weig; many extended family, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Norma Jean, brothers-in-law Richard Bowman, Max Stephens, and Orville Nordstrom.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Zearing First Responders.
Fredregill Funeral & Cremation Care has been entrusted with the care of Jerry and his family.