Jerry Royce Skelton received his angel wings on July 7, 2025. Jerry was born in Missouri Valley on Feb. 24, 1935, to Ray and Irene Skelton. He was the third of five children: all growing up on the family farm.
Jerry joined the Air Force in 1953, and served our country for four years. Following his service, he returned to Missouri valley to work with his Dad as a welder in his Dad’s shop. In 1966, he continued his welding career with PVS in Carter Lake until he retired in 1997. Upon retirement Jerry worked part-time at Hennessey Aman Funeral Home for many years.
Jerry married in 1957, and to that union his daughter Tammy was born. On June 27, 1970, Jerry married the love of his life, Nancy Ager, who brought to this union three daughters of her own, Kim, Tracy, and Chris. With Tammy’s blessing, and to honor Jerry for their 25th wedding anniversary, Nancy’s daughters legally adopted Jerry as their father.
Jerry enjoyed dancing, especially with Nancy, which brought joy to all. Jerry also enjoyed gardening, bowling, golfing and was an avid Iowa Hawkeye and Detroit Lions fan. Jerry was competitive in all aspects of life, sometimes causing Nancy to shake her head. He also loved boating but above all he loved spending time with his family. As Jerry’s eyesight began to fail, Nancy became his personal TV remote control.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Irene Skelton; brother, Larry (Pug); sister, Delores Weed; and granddaughter, Erin McHugh.
He is survived by his wife, Nancy; daughters, Tammy (Tim) Podraza, Kim (Ron) Riggle, Tracy (Russ) McHugh and Chris (Mike) Guinan; fourteen grandchildren; and 41 great-grandchildren with number 42 on the way; his siblings, Ronnie Skelton and Virginia Heitz.
Services were conducted on July 11, 2025, at United Methodist Church.
Arrangements made by Hennessey Funeral Home, Missouri Valley.
