Obituary of Jerry Stukey

Jerald Allen Stukey was born Oct. 24, 1940, in Spencer, Iowa. His parents were Walter and Florence (Krukow) Stukey. He was raised on a farm east of Spencer with his siblings: Edward, Darlene, and Gaylen. His dad had a shop on the farm where he repaired the neighbors' cars, trucks, and farm implements. Jerry and his brothers learned, at a young age, how to fix anything with a motor. He graduated from Spencer High School in 1959 and went to work immediately for PAG Seed Corn Company. In the summer of 1959 he met Judy Vint at the Roof Garden in Arnolds Park. They were married July 22, 1961, in St. Mary's Catholic Church in Spirit Lake. He was a wonderful husband, dad, and friend. He doted on his four daughters, better known as "Jerry's girls," Jacalyn (Dan), Julie (Dave), Jerene (Ryan), and Jennifer (Bert). His girls knew that he was always there for them, and when he needed them they were there. He thoroughly enjoyed his snowmobiling days with friends and families in Spirit Lake. The snowmobile club was very active with family activities, races, trail rides, etc. And, who can forget, the club's reenactment of the ice harvest for the Spirit Lake Sesquicentennial. This giant of a man was cut down by a brain stem stroke in 1988. This left him a quadriplegic. His family is so thankful to God for letting us have him these last 24 years. His mind was always sharp and he was able to help us make many decisions. He also talked us through hooking up all his technology "toys". He spent many hours on his computer the last 24 years, teaching himself as technology changed. He was always involved in a project (CDs, books, family pictures, etc.). This helped his days pass and he felt useful. As he worked hard every day to get back on his feet, he taught us a lot about patience and perseverance. Jerry had many wonderful nurses to help him every day and Todd, his physical therapist, who never gave up on trying to help him walk again. Jerry never knew a stranger. He loved visiting, telling stories and jokes even when it was difficult for his speech to be understood after his stroke. Jerry passed away at his home in Minnesota on May 5, 2012 at seventy-one years of age. He was preceded in death by his parents, twin infant brothers, brother Gaylen, and brother-in-law, William "Bill" Salton. He was also preceded in death by his parents-in-law Earl and Nelda Vint, brother-in-law Jerry Vint, and sister-in-law Deborah (Eckerman) Vint. He is survived by his wife, four daughters and spouses, 11 grandchildren (Stefan, Scott, Zachary, Garrett, Meghan, Haley, Jakob, Sophia, Caleb, Kelsey, and Kyler) They all took very good care of their grandpa. He is also survived by his brother Ed (Shirley), sister Darlene Salton (Jim) Embry, brothers-in-law John (Corrine), Mike (Peggy), Tom (Kim) Vint, sister-in-law Janelle (Bob) Gmitter, many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He loved all of you and was very proud of his extended family.