Jerry R. Baum

Jerry R. Baum, age 77, of Marengo, passed away peacefully with family by his side on Friday, August 2, 2024, at Mercy Medical Center, Cedar Rapids. Visitation: 1:00 ~ 3:00 p.m., Thursday, August 8, 2024, at Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo. Jerry’s memorial service will be held at 3:00 p.m., Thursday, August 8, 2024, at Kloster Funeral Home, Marengo, with Pastor Diane Vorhies officiating. Military honors conducted by the U.S. Navy and the Marengo American Legion Post #76 will follow the service at the funeral home. Memorials may be contributed to the First Presbyterian Church in Marengo.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Connie of Koszta; his son, Scott Baum of Koszta, sister, Sharon Robertson of Wisconsin, a sister-in-law, Kathy (Randy) Schmidt of Robins and a brother-in-law Patrick (Khrystle) Sullivan of Cedar Rapids. Also surviving are many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He was preceded in death by parents.

Jerry Ray Baum was born May 13, 1947, in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, the son of Billy and Bernice Doty Baum. After losing his mother at a young age, Jerry was raised by his grandmother Grace Baum. He attended Cedar Rapids Jefferson school, later receiving his GED. Jerry enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving three years on the U.S.S Yorktown CV-10, as a 3 ^rd class petty officer-damage controlman. Jerry was united in marriage to Connie Lee on September 28, 1970, in Cedar Rapids. Connie and Jerry settled in Koszta; Jerry worked for Amana Refrigeration as a painter for 38 years. After work, Jerry could usually be found at home having a beer with Bart. He always had his dog in the truck with him, both loved to go pheasant and quail hunting, and he enjoyed fishing. Jerry was a 2 ^nd degree black belt in Taekwondo and also performed Tai chi. After retirement, one of Jerry’s highlights was being able to go on the Eastern Iowa Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in 2019. He was a lifelong learner, through reading he taught himself to be one of the best dog trainers. Jerry also was an avid Bible reader, each day taking time to read it. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church in Marengo, and the Marengo American Legion.

The family would like to acknowledge and give special thanks to Amy Douglas for all the care and compassion she showed to Jerry and Connie.