November 24, 1945 – October 24, 2025
Jerry Lee Starkey, 79, passed away surrounded by loved ones on Friday, October 24, 2025 in his Mason City, IA home.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM Friday, October 31, 2025 at Epiphany Parish – Holy Family Catholic Church, 722 N. Adams Ave, Mason City with Rev. Dave O’Connor as Celebrant. Burial will be held at Elmwood St. Joseph Cemetery, Mason City, IA.
Visitation will begin at 5:00 PM, Thursday, October 30, 2025 at Hogan-Bremer-Moore Colonial Chapel, 126 3rd St NE, Mason City, Iowa, with a Knights of Columbus Rosary to be said at 6:30 PM, followed by a Scriptural Wake Service.
Jerry Starkey was born on November 24, 1945, in Charles City, Iowa, the son of Robert and Ruth (Dailey) Starkey. He grew up in Charles City, graduating from Charles City Community School, and later attended North Iowa Area Community College. From November 1963 to November 1969, Jerry proudly served in the Army National Guard of Iowa.
Fate brought Jerry and JoAnn together at a local spot called The Poodle. Their first meeting did not go especially well, but two days later something changed, and from that moment on they were inseparable. On December 13, 1969, Jerry married JoAnn O’Hern in Plymouth, Iowa. Together they had 4 children and built a beautiful life.
Jerry was deeply involved in his community and faith. A Fourth Degree Knight in the Knights of Columbus, he once managed the Knights of Columbus Club and served as a past Faithful Navigator of the Fourth Degree. He took great pride in organizing and helping with the annual Chicken BBQ Dinner, a tradition that brought people together and reflected his love of service.
He helped coach youth sports, coaching Babe Ruth Little League and occasionally umpiring games. Friends and family knew Jerry as a lifelong learner and communicator, whether listening to Iowa Public Radio, chatting with others through his Ham Radio, or always willing to share stories with those around him. Each year, he rang the bell for the Salvation Army, a small act that reflected his big heart.
Known as a “Mr. Fix-It,” Jerry could repair just about anything and was always ready to lend a hand. His kindness, patience, and willingness to help others will be remembered by all who knew him.
Jerry and JoAnn shared a love of adventure, traveling together across the United States and visiting 48 states. In recent years, they especially enjoyed their trips to Colorado, Oklahoma, and Gulfport, Mississippi for Mardi Gras celebrations, always making memories wherever they went.
Those left to cherish memories of Jerry are his wife of 55 years, JoAnn; children, Theresa (Dave Renchin), Dennis (Tammy), and Timothy Starkey. Grandchildren Andrew Starkey, Mikayla Renchin; Emily, Cody (Kyrsha) and Baylea Starkey. Levi Oelberg, Noah, and Layla Starkey. Great Granddaughter Emberly Starkey and a Great Grandson on the way. A brother, Glen Starkey; Sister in-law Judy Lucas. Brother in-laws Jack Ferch; Terry (Dawn) O’Hern. as well as numerous nieces, nephews and other family members.
Jerry is preceded in death by an infant son, Darrell; both of his parents; siblings, Clyde (Donna) Starkey, Jon (Arnold) Fredricks, Janice Ferch, and Richard Starkey. Sister in-law Cathy Starkey. Brother in-law Mike Lucas.
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