Gerald Lawrence "Jerry" Osantowski

1941 - 2021

CLARKS - Gerald "Jerry" L. Osantowski, 80, of Clarks passed away on Sunday, Aug. 22, 2021, at the Merrick Medical Center in Central City.
Funeral Services will be at 10:30 a.m., Friday at the Central City United Methodist Church in Central City, with Pastor Gordon Paulsen officiating. Following the service, a luncheon will be held at the church. Interment will be at approximately 2 p.m. at Sunset Cemetery, Cedar Rapids.
Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the church. Levander Funeral Home of Cedar Rapids is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be sent to the family at www.levanderfuneralhome.com.
Gerald "Jerry" Lawrence Osantowski, son of Benedict and Ann (Hofpar) Osantowski, was born in Seward on Jan. 27, 1941. Growing up, Jerry moved with his family to various farms. They eventually settled in the Genoa/St. Edward area where Jerry attended high school and graduated from St. Edward High in 1959. Following high school, Jerry farmed before entering the United States Army National Guard on Oct. 22, 1963. Jerry was honorable discharged on April 21, 1964, and returned home to continue farming.
On Aug. 8, 1966, Jerry was united in marriage to Diane Krings at the United Methodist Church in Columbus. The couple made their home near Genoa until moving to their farm near Clarks in 1972. Jerry was a lifelong farmer, raising corn, soybeans, hogs and cattle. Jerry was also a mechanic; there was always a piece of machinery needing his attention, whether it was his own or a customer's.
Jerry was a longtime member of the Central City United Methodist Church. Throughout his life Jerry enjoyed restoring many kinds of vehicles and tractors. He had a particular fondness for his 1962 Chevy and his 1966 Nova. He also restored several tractors, including his International H, a 1941 International A, and his prize tractor, an IH 756. His most recent restoration project was his late Mother's 1986 Mercury Cougar. Years ago, being somewhat adventurous, Jerry earned and maintained his private pilot's license for a number of years.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 55 years, Diane Osantowski of Clarks; three children, Robert (Jill) Osantowski of Omaha, Jon Osantowski of Clarks, Sheila (Ben) Day of Malcom; seven grandchildren, Claire Osantowski, Rachel Osantowski, Laura Osantowski, Trevor Osantowski, Emily Osantowski, Madeline Day, and Oliver Day; four great-grandchildren, Briella, Aero, Dusti and Hadley; three sisters, Cyndi (Wes) Kunkee of Shelby, Joan (Gary) Mausbach of Humphrey and Marlene (Joe) Vetick of Columbus; and sister-in-law, Arlene Osantowski of Genoa.
He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Richard Osantowski.