BRITT — Jerry F. Barker, a lifelong Britt-area man remembered for his devotion to family, steady work ethic and love of local sports, died Monday, May 25, 2026, at UnityPoint Health – Trinity Regional Medical Center in Fort Dodge. He was 70.
Jerry Francis Barker was born February 18, 1956, in Britt to George and Josephine Barker. He was raised on a farm southeast of Britt and graduated from Britt High School in 1974.
He went on to build a long career at Iowa Mold Tooling in Garner, where he worked for 45 years as a parts fabricator before retiring in 2020.
On July 10, 1982, Barker married Cynthia “Cindy” Kerns at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Britt. The couple made their home in Britt and raised their family there.
Barker was especially proud of his role as a grandfather and enjoyed attending his grandchildren’s activities. In earlier years, he played slow-pitch softball, and he remained an enthusiastic sports fan throughout his life. He followed NASCAR, the Iowa Hawkeyes, the Seattle Seahawks and the West Hancock Eagles.
He was also a lifelong member of St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Britt.
Barker is survived by his wife, Cindy; his children, Valerie Karsjens, Brandi Hadacek and Jesse Barker; grandchildren and a great-grandson; several siblings; extended family; and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Richard Barker; and his father-in-law, Larry Kerns.
A funeral Mass was scheduled for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 30, 2026, at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in Duncan, with Rev. Fr. Paulraj Sellam officiating. Burial was planned at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery in Britt. Visitation was scheduled for Friday, May 29, at Cataldo Funeral Home in Britt and one hour before services at the church.
Memorials may be directed to West Hancock Ambulance Service or the West Hancock Athletic Boosters.
Cataldo Funeral Home is handling arrangements. To read more and see the full obituary, please click here.
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