Funeral services for Jerry D. Schichtl, 91, of Estherville, were held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, May 18, 2024, at Estherville Lutheran Church in Estherville with Pastor Tim Johnson officiating. Interment was at East Side Cemetery, Estherville with military honors by VFW Post 3388 and American Legion Post 91, both of Estherville. He passed away on May 14, 2024, at the Good Samaritan Society in Estherville.
Jerry Dean Schichtl, son of P.D. and Irene (Ramus) Schichtl, was born on January 23, 1933 in Irvington, Iowa.
The family moved to Estherville in 1942, and he graduated from Estherville High School in 1951. He met a young lady named Betty Egeland and they dated for many years. In 1950, Jerry entered the Iowa National Guard where he served until 1952. He was united in marriage to Betty on February 18, 1956, at Estherville Lutheran Church. He was a member of the Estherville Police force from 1955 until 1958. The family moved to Algona for a short time where he worked for a supply company, before returning to Estherville in 1964. Jerry then became employed with the Iowa Department of Transportation for 28 years and operating the snow plow during the winter season was what he enjoyed the most during those years. Jerry then began driving OTR for Holiday Express for the next 25 years, retiring from there in 2020. Betty passed away on March 13, 2024.
Jerry was a member of the Estherville Lutheran Church and the VFW. He enjoyed being a member of three different motorcycle clubs throughout the years. The family enjoyed taking vacations with the Coachman Camping Club. Jerry could still be seen riding his peddle bike around Estherville at the age of 90.
He enjoyed following local events, including the Midgets and Lakers. He and Betty had the perfect seats for every Midget home football game! Jerry has a beautiful collection of Bald Eagles and cardinals. Jerry prided himself in having a clean vehicle and took great pride in his lawn. He enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren including fishing trips, the Jackson Speedway, cattle shows, tractor pulls, and any activity or sporting events they were participating in. Playing cards, especially cribbage, was a favorite past time of his.
Jerry is survived by his daughter Vicki (Mark) Garrelts; son Jeff (Sheila) Schichtl all of Estherville; three grandchildren Justin Garrelts, Spenser (Brittany) Schichtl, and Morgan (Andy) Umthun; six great-grandchildren, Jaxyn, Leah, Luke and Charlotte Schichtl and Emmett and Graham Umthun.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents and wife, Betty.
Online condolences may be left for the family at www.henryolsonfuneral.com
