Gerald ‘Jerry’ Hoss

Gerald ‘Jerry’ Hoss

Gerald “Jerry” Hoss, 70, of Akron, died Jan. 10, 2023, in Arizona.

Gerald “Jerry” Hoss was born Nov. 1, 1952, to Donald C. and Freda (Hoschtein) Hoss. He graduated from Gehlen High School in 1970. Growing up on a farm in the 1950s, he was amazed by the world around him. He enjoyed time spent with cousins, building forts on the banks of the Floyd River and figuring out how stuff works. Before graduating, he earned his pilot’s endorsement and found a love of flying. After high school, he attended the Spartan School of Aeronautics in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Following his Aeronautics School graduation, he was employed at an airport in Alamosa, Colorado. While there, he explored the nature Colorado had to offer. He also made trips around the country for his employer picking up airplanes and parts. While flying, Jerry made friends with veterans who had served in Vietnam and in 1974, he made the decision to enlist with the United States Marine Corps. He served in California, Colorado, Tennessee, and finally in Iowa where he met his first wife, Robin. After leaving the Marines, he joined the Iowa Army National Guard out of Le Mars, and served for another 16 years.

Jerry and Robin moved back home to Le Mars where they started farming and a family. There were blessed with two children, Wendy and Justin. As things happen, the 1980s were a difficult time to farm, and the marriage was dissolved.

Jerry met Nancy Ann Mary (Ruden) Koch in the early 1990s. After a brief courtship, they moved in together and in 1999, they married. Jerry opened his heart to Nancy’s four children (Jodi, Jeremy, Mindy and Ryan) from her prior marriage and earned the title of Dad. He bonded with them through shared experiences in the military, Saturday morning poker lessons and impromptu camping trips. He was always there for them with advice when sought, never hesitated to open his home to them, and always sang their praises when around friends and family.

When not busy with his lawn care and snow removal business, he could be found tinkering away on a project (or three) in his driveway. Whether he was building a deck, modifying a piece of equipment, or working on his 1953 Kaiser Willy, there would be classic rock playing and made-up lyrics sung. He was an avid gardener, metal worker, mechanic and carpenter. Truly a jack of all trades, and admittedly a master of none.

During their retirement, Jerry and Nancy explored the country either in their camper with friends and family or on their motorcycle. Traveling through the western states while finding little towns and backwater spots to enjoy, they made memorable trips to Alaska; Sturgis, South Dakota; and Arizona. While in Arizona, they found a quiet and comfortable community to explore during the winter months. They made good friends and explored the beauty of the desert right out their front door on a side by side (UTV).

He is survived by his loving wife of 23 years, Nancy; sisters: Mary-Ellen (Joe) Sabers, Janet Cleary, and Kate Hoss; his children: Wendy (Anders) Osterberg, Justin Hoss and his fianceé, Ashley; Jodi (Scott) Peterman, Jeremy (Sarah) Koch, Mindy (Adam) Coyle, Ryan (Alison) Koch; grandchildren: Remington, Meredith, Alissa (Quinton) Baenziger, Hunter, Trevor, Sydney, Hanna (Chris) Wyman, Brody, Brennan, James, Josilyn, Addison; and great-grandchildren: Aaron and Mason.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Don and Freda Hoss, and brother, John Hoss.

There will be a celebration of life from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., on Sunday, May 28, 2023, at the Akron Golf Club in Akron. Please bring good stories to share with his family and friends. He will be interred at the Iowa Veterans Cemetery during a private ceremony with close family.