Jerry E. Ibach

Jerry was born October 25, 1936 in Markville, MN to Eugene and Anna Ibach. He grew up and attended school in Bayard, IA. As a student at Bayard High School, Jerry was an outstanding multi-sport athlete.

After graduating high school, Jerry attended Buena Vista College in Storm Lake, IA, where he continued to excel as an all-around athlete. Jerry became the first athlete at the college to earn 11 varsity letters; 4 in football, 4 in baseball and 3 in basketball. In recognition of this achievement, Buena Vista established the “The Jerry Ibach Award,” a trophy awarded to the student athlete at the college earning at least 9 varsity letters and demonstrating scholastic excellence. Jerry was a Little All-American in football his senior year, and Buena Vista honored his 4-year football success by retiring his jersey number, number 12. He was inducted into the Buena Vista College Hall of Fame in 1969, its inaugural year. Jerry graduated from college with degrees in business and physical education.

After college, Jerry briefly taught and coached in Coon Rapids and Alta, IA, but most of his years of employment were with the Internal Revenue Service. Jerry retired from the IRS in 1991 after 32 years of service.

In 1957, Jerry married Glenda J. Holm of Lake City, IA. They welcomed three children and raised their family in Sioux City, IA, where they spent 42 years. They moved to Clive, IA in 2010 to be closer to children and grandchildren. Jerry and Glenda enjoyed nearly 65 years of marriage.

Jerry was a devoted husband, father and friend. He was exceptional in many ways. Although he was a tremendous athlete, he was an even better person. Jerry was a true gentleman in the classic sense, exemplifying humility, decency and kindness. A man of quiet faith, Jerry knew and followed Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He was very proud of his children and loved spending time with his family.

Jerry was an avid golfer and fisherman. As a woodworker, he was skilled at antique restoration and furniture building. He also enjoyed playing bridge and sudoku.

Jerry is survived by his wife Glenda; children, Tom (Jeanne) Ibach, Allison (Rob) Best, and Chris (Laura) Ibach; grandchildren Morgan Best, Luke (Lauren) Ibach, Jacob Ibach, Chloe (Andrew) Challenger, Sam Ibach, Connor Ibach, Taylor Ibach, Sophia Ibach and Evan Ibach. He was preceded in death by his parents Eugene and Anna Ibach, sister Yvonne and grandson Quinn Best.

The family wishes to extend its profound thanks to Fresenius Kidney Care Center, Iowa Methodist Hospital, Deerfield Retirement Home and Suncrest Hospice for their compassionate care.

Jerry will be laid to rest at Resthaven in West Des Moines. There will be a Celebration of Life gathering on Saturday, August 7 from 11 am to 2 pm at Lutheran Church of Hope in 925 Jordan Creek Pkwy, West Des Moines.

11:00-11:30 am ~ Greet the family

11:30-12:30 pm ~ Celebration of Life

12:30-2:00 pm ~ Luncheon/Sharing stories

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the National Kidney Foundation.