BRITT — Jerry Lee Bellinghausen, 74, of Britt, a longtime northern Iowa resident whose life revolved around family, farming, friendship and a playful sense of humor, passed away Saturday, November 7, 2026, at his home.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, November 18, 2026, at Cataldo Funeral Home, 178 First Avenue S.W. in Britt, with Pastor Mark Brandt officiating. Inurnment will follow at Crystal Township Cemetery.
A memorial visitation will be held from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, November 17, at Cataldo Funeral Home. Visitation will also take place for one hour before Wednesday’s memorial service.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Jerry’s family.
Jerry was born October 29, 1952, in Sac City, Iowa, the son of Francis and Anita (Staiert) Bellinghausen. He grew up in western Iowa and graduated from Lake City High School in 1971 before continuing his education at Park College in Parkville, Missouri, where he earned a degree in agribusiness.
Agriculture remained an important part of Jerry’s life. Over the years, he worked for agriculture-related businesses in several Iowa communities and also spent time working as a real estate agent.
Jerry and his former wife, Kathleen McCaulley, raised two daughters, Kourtney and Jessica. His life took him from Lake City to Clarion before he eventually settled on a farm north of Britt, a place that would become the setting for countless family memories.
On April 26, 1997, Jerry married Debra Morrison at Garner United Methodist Church. The couple made their home on the farm north of Britt, where they shared their years together until Debra’s passing on October 28, 2017.
In later years, Jerry shared a loving relationship with Dar Sheldon, who remained faithfully by his side and provided companionship, care and devotion throughout his final days.
The farm was more than simply a place to live for Jerry. It was a gathering place for family and friends, especially during the annual family get-togethers he treasured.
He enjoyed working with his hands, restoring his pickup truck, tending his garden and caring for livestock. When he wasn’t busy around the farm, Jerry could also be found enjoying one of his favorite activities — dancing.
But perhaps nothing captured Jerry’s personality quite like his sense of humor.
Those closest to him knew he loved teasing and joking with the people he cared about. His good-natured ribbing was a familiar part of family gatherings and friendships, bringing laughter to the people around him.
Above all, Jerry cherished time spent with his children, grandchildren, extended family and friends. Those connections remained among the most meaningful parts of his life.
Jerry was a member of Lutheran Church of Hope in Forest City.
He is survived by his two daughters, Kourtney (Ken) Payer of Carroll and Jessica Hoffman (Mike Steven) of Clive.
His surviving family also includes three stepchildren, Travis Strom of Smithville, Missouri, Sarah Strom-Kieschnick (Jeremy Wilson) of Hawaii, and Katie (Bud) Gill of Argyle, Texas.
Jerry leaves behind 11 grandchildren: KateLynn (Patrick) Grey, Kerrigan and Dylan Irlbeck, Kaylee Jo Hoffman, Drew and Nate Kieschnick, Leighton Wilson, and Cody, Cooper, Carson and Caden Gill.
He is also survived by his devoted companion, Dar Sheldon of Forest City; his sister, Jane (Tom) Moorhouse of Lincoln, Nebraska; his sister-in-law, Jackie Bellinghausen of Lake City; and several nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by his wife, Debra Bellinghausen; his parents, Francis and Anita Bellinghausen; and his brother, Dan Bellinghausen.
His family and friends will carry forward memories of his welcoming farm, his dedication to the people he loved and the unmistakable humor that made spending time with Jerry so enjoyable.
Those wishing to share condolences, memories or learn more about memorial arrangements may visit Jerry L. Bellinghausen’s obituary at Cataldo Funeral Home.
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