Jerald A. “Jerry” Watters, 88, of Maquoketa, Iowa, passed away peacefully early Tuesday morning, March 11, 2025, at Maquoketa Care Center in Maquoketa, Iowa.

Jerald Alvie Watters was born on May 19, 1936 in Iowa City, Iowa, to Alvie and Velma (Meyer) Watters.  He went to school in Clinton and graduated from Clinton High School.  He then entered the military and served his country in the U.S. Air Force earning an honorable discharge.  He married Barbara Ann McCrady on November 23, 1959, at Barb’s parents’ home in Maquoketa.

Upon returning home from serving his country, Jerry worked for ARA Vending Machine Company, and then Stickley Electric in Maquoketa.  He then worked for a combined 30 plus years, first with the Chicago Northwestern Railroad, and later Union Pacific Railroad in DeSoto, Missouri, until retirement.

They had lived in Maquoketa prior to the closing of the Chicago Northwestern Railroad.  They then moved to DeSoto, Missouri for 24 years, moving back to Maquoketa in 2018.

Jerry was a member of First United Methodist Church in Maquoketa and Mt. Olive Methodist Church in DeSoto, Missouri.  He enjoyed wood carving, and loved planes, trains and old cars.  He had a passion for vegetable gardening and loved to sing.  He especially enjoyed spending time with his family and reading the funny pages to the grandchildren.

Those left to honor his memory include children Kim (Sonny) Goble of Wyoming, IA, Cindy (Les) Monson of Maquoketa, IA, James (Stacey) Watters of Hobart, IN, Mike (Shelley) Watters of Michigan City, IN, and Jennifer (Eric) Waltert of DeSoto, MO; 10 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren; special cousin, Gary (Mary) Watters of Clinton, IA; sister-in-law Elaine Watters of New Orleans, LA; brother-in-law, Robert (Bonnie) McCrady of LeClaire, IA; and nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his parents, parents-in-law, wife Barbara on May 10, 2024, brothers Junior Watters and Harold “Louie” Watters, brother-in-law Steve McCrady, and sister-in-law Lorraine McCrady.

A graveside service celebrating Jerald’s life will be held at 11 A.M., Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at Mount Hope Cemetery, Maquoketa. There is no visitation. 

In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, a Jerald A. “Jerry” Watters Memorial Fund has been established.

The Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa is caring for the family.  Online Condolences may be left at www.CarsonAndSon.com.