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Jerry Horkheimer
August 31, 1946 - November 23, 2020

Jerry Horkheimer, 74, of Hazleton passed away Monday November 23, 2020 at Buchanan County Health Center in Independence.  Mass of Christian Burial will be private at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Oelwein.  Interment will be in Fontana Cemetery at Hazleton.  A public Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.  A memorial fund has been established.

Gerald Louis Horkheimer was born in Prairie du Chien, WI on August 31, 1946 to parents Louis and Rita (Lorenz) Horkheimer.  He graduated from Prairie du Chien High School with the class of 1964.  On May 24, 1966 he was united in marriage with Rose Beesecker.  Jerry and Rose moved to Hazleton in 1968 and established Horkheimer Enterprises Inc.

Jerry employed and provided homes to countless residents of Hazleton and surrounding areas over the 52 years of business.  Many of these people turned into lifelong friends or even became part of the family.  Jerry’s passion was his business and providing for his family.  Oddly enough, he seemed to have the best times in life when he was working, whether it was conducting business, on a tractor, on a bulldozer at his farm or helping family and friends. 

He also enjoyed watching his children grow up in the business where he felt most confident in the things he could teach them.  He loved meeting new people and handing out his million dollar bills.  Jerry spent the last 7 years enjoying partial retirement and vacationing with his significant other Sharon Davis.

Apart from Jerry being a business owner, he was an active member and former President of the Iowa Manufactured Housing Association.  He helped sculpt the foundation to which the manufactured home business is conducted to this day.  He has been a longtime member of the Shriner’s Organization and Hazleton Commercial Club.  He was a longtime supporter of the Republican National Committee to where many of you knew he loved a good political debate!  But no matter your political preference, religion, or race, he was a friend, father and family you could count on when times were tough.  He knew firsthand what it was like to start a business with hard work and determination and if he seen that in you he never gave it a second thought to help you get started.  He will truly be missed by many, “Thanks a Million” for being part of his life.

Left to celebrate Jerry’s life are his children: Jeff Horkheimer of Kentucky, Lori Marshall (Jere) of Oelwein, Laurie Schult (Scott) of Dunkerton, Jennifer McGlaughlin of Hazleton, Chip (Mindy) Horkheimer of Hazleton; his grandchildren: Cole, Jordan, Alayna, John, Paige, BJ, Kate, Jake, Devann, Alexandra, Andrea, Madison, Moxon and Kale; his nine great-grandchildren; his siblings: Joan Christie, Barbara Neises, Wayne, Dwight, Rick and Lorita Horkheimer; his significant other Sharon Davis of Monticello.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife Rose (July 26, 2002); his brother Bill Horkheimer; and his granddaughter Jade.

 

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Jim Taylor on December 3, 2020 at 1:29 PM said:

Dwight and your family, sorry to hear of Jerry passing. We were neighbors a long, long time ago, never forget. May God bless you and your family.
Alan & Deanne Hromadka on December 3, 2020 at 8:28 AM said:

to the whole Horkheimer family. We are saddened to hear of Jerry's passing. We bought our first home from him. We enjoyed seeing him @ the Eastman 4th of July celebration & his million $ bill. He helped when we were renting his parents farm. Always looking out for others, such a nice guy. May your memories and God's love help you through this difficult time. In our prayers today.
Bruce & Julie Johnson on November 30, 2020 at 7:14 AM said:

Our thoughts and prayers are with Jerry's family. He sold us our very first home in 1976. He was a man of his word and will be missed. God Bless!
Elizabeth Carter on November 28, 2020 at 2:37 PM said:

Hork was one of my closest friends for many years and I will miss his bear hugs, contagious smile, garage sales and long conversations about life and our love for our families and friends. Laurie Ann, thank you so much for keeping me updated and may the entire family know that you are in my thoughts and prayers!! RIP to a Giant Man in my life!!
Matt and Diana Stewart on November 28, 2020 at 9:30 AM said:

So sorry for your loss. May God bless you with His peace and comfort at this difficult time.
Megan Henderson on November 28, 2020 at 8:57 AM said:

Uncle Jerry and his funny jokes will be greatly missed. Arizona and Iowa won’t be the same without him there.
Mike (Delila) Beesecker on November 28, 2020 at 8:26 AM said:

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all the family. We will miss the fun times in Arizona at the Tumbleweed and the Moose Lodge. Hork always loved a good garage sale and a great buffet. Like so many others, we loved him dearly. He will be sorely missed.
Paige Davis on November 28, 2020 at 8:25 AM said:

My Uncle Horkie was one in a million and will be missed by many! Surely there is a special place in heaven for a man this great.
Nathan and Tonge Kimpel on November 28, 2020 at 7:27 AM said:

Our thoughts and prayers to each of you as you grieve the loss of one so loved. May you treasure the many memories you have as a family. Jerry's infectious grin and warm greetings as well as that twinkle in his eye will not be forgotten. May God bless each of you comfort for knowing how many lives he touched.
Anonymous on November 27, 2020 at 10:22 AM said:

Thoughts and prayers are with your family. Messy will be missed.
Jodi Logan on November 26, 2020 at 7:44 PM said:

My heart breaks for you all. Keep you all close in my prayers
Family of Luigi Stasi on November 26, 2020 at 6:32 PM said:

Our families thoughts and prayers to your family!

Luigi Stasi and family
Jeremy Moritz on November 26, 2020 at 11:05 AM said:

Sorry for your loss. Jerry was a good man.
Danny Stasi on November 26, 2020 at 10:38 AM said:

Jerry was a wonderful man. Deepest condolences to the entire family.
lyle & nancy miller on November 26, 2020 at 8:52 AM said:

sincere condolences. He'll be missed-one of guys that broke the mold. We'll say prayer-he's gone way to early. May the Lord bless
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