Jerry Lee Crow

Jerry Crow, 88, of West Des Moines, Iowa passed away Thursday, March 31, 2022, surrounded by the love and comfort of his family.

Jerry was born October 11, 1933, to Barney and Gertrude (Wolff) Crow in Valley Junction, Iowa. He graduated in 1951 from Valley High School where he enjoyed playing both basketball and golf, among other activities. After graduation, Jerry attended the University of Iowa.

Jerry married the love of his life, Carol Ann Shierholz (Cas), of Fort Dodge in 1961. They settled in West Des Moines where they raised their five children.

When his sons were young, Jerry was active in the West Des Moines Little League. He coached many of their teams and loved umpiring games. Jerry took his umpiring very seriously, memorizing the rule book. When there was a questionable play he was able to quote the rule AND the page! He rarely had a call overturned.

Jerry was a general contractor. He and Carol owned Bryan Crow Construction, Inc., a company started by his father. Together, they ran their company for over 45 years. Jerry and his sons built schools, churches, and office buildings in the Des Moines area including McLaren's Funeral Home.

After their children were grown, Jerry built Cas her dream home in rural West Des Moines. Their house was large enough to accommodate their growing family. It became a gathering place for holidays, birthdays, square dancing, and many family events. Many happy memories were made there – epic Christmases, pool parties, carpet pool, a legendary snack cabinet, and family and friends dropping in for visits.

Christmas was Jerry's favorite holiday. He spent many Christmas Eves dressed as Santa, spreading the magic of Christmas to his grandchildren and family friends.

Jerry's greatest joy was his family. He loved attending his grandchildren's many sporting events and other activities. Golf, basketball, and square dancing with Carol were some of his passions, along with their many puppies.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 60 years, Carol, his children, Jeri Lee Havener (Nick), Pam McManus (Mark), Linda Murillo (David), Tom Crow (Lisa), Bob Crow (Julie), brother-in-law Jerry Foster, brother-in-law John (Suzy) Shierholz, grandchildren (13) Ben Havener (Carrie), Emily Lewis, Josh Havener (Mindy), Justin McManus (Maddie Koppin), Katie McGhee (Dan), Christopher Lewis (Jeff Howey), Kelsey Ermels (Brian Baltutat), Amy Aeschliman (Michael), Joe Murillo (Lex), Danny Murillo (Dawn), Bryan Crow (Katie), Roxanne Fulton (Taylor), and Chandler Murillo (Corinne Salazar), plus 29 great grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, cousins, and family friends.

Those waiting to welcome Jerry home include his parents, Barney and Gertrude, in-laws Pete and Opal Shierholz, sister Pat Foster, grandparents, many cousins, and many puppies waiting for treats! Jerry was a loving husband, wonderful father and grandad and a kind human being. He will be greatly missed by all of his sweethearts.

A private graveside burial will be held June 4, 2022 at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.