Gerald A. “Jerry” Anstoetter, 89, of Farley, Iowa passed away peacefully at his home on Friday, July 27th, 2018.
Friends and relatives may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Monday, July 30, 2018 at Reiff Funeral Home in Farley where a wake service will be held at 1:30 p.m., the Farley Volunteer Fire Department will meet in a body at 6:00 p.m., the Legion Auxiliary will meet in a body at 6:45 p.m., the Farley American Legion Post #656 services will be held at 7:00 p.m. and the Farley Knights of Columbus Council #2001 rosary will be held at 7:30 p.m.

A mass of Christian burial will be held Tuesday, July 31st at 10:30 a.m. at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Farley with his grandson, Rev. Don Anstoetter presiding and Rev. Phil Kruse concelebrating. Burial will be held in St. Joseph’s Cemetery with full military honors afforded by the Farley American Legion Post #656.

Jerry was born on December 3, 1928, in Farley, Iowa, son to Ben and Lydia (Kramer) Anstoetter. Jerry attended East Scott School #6 in rural Farley through eighth grade. He attended St. Joseph’s High School and later completed his GED while in the service. Jerry was united in marriage to Mary Eileen “Monie” Blazek on June 22, 1957 at Sacred Heart Church in Reilly Ridge, Iowa.

Following his time at St. Joseph’s, he hauled cream, baled hay, and worked for farmers in the Farley area. He served in the Korean War from 1950-1954 as a heavy equipment operator building runways for the Air Force. When he returned home from Korea, he worked construction for Conlon and later worked for Merle Tobin Construction. In 1966, Jerry bought into Tobin Construction and in 1970 he began Anstoetter Construction. In 1992, he sold the business to his son, but continued to stay active in the construction scene up until the day he died.

Jerry was very involved in the community of Farley throughout his life. He served as one of the original Farley Park Board members, a member of St. Joseph’s Parish, the Farley Fire Department, St. Joseph’s Parish Council, a member of the Farley City Council, and a member of the American Legion Post #656 and Knights of Columbus Council #2001. While being active with the Legion, he was instrumental in implementing the Avenue of the Flags at St. Joseph’s Parish Cemetery. Jerry enjoyed golfing, playing cards, and spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Survivors include his wife of 61 years, Monie, three children: Tom (Margaret) of St. Louis, Mo., Dick (Bev) of Farley, and Julie (Luke) Merfeld of Peosta, IA; twelve grandchildren: Emily (Tim Schmalz) Anstoetter, Mary (Mark) Decker, Fr. Don Anstoetter, Doug Anstoetter, Nick (Emily) Knepper, Katie (Adam) Moltzan, Robbie (Lauren) Anstoetter, Tony (Maria Brown) Anstoetter, Erica (Damien) Fries, Kelsey, Brynn, and Gabrielle Merfeld; eleven great-grandchildren; siblings: John (Joan) Anstoetter of Dubuque, IA, Mildred Koehler of Decatur, IL; sisters-in-law: Janann (Ken) Krapfl of Monticello, IA, Shirley (Clete) Maiers of Dubuque, and Sherry Blazek of New Hampton, IA and brother-in-law Jack (Diane) Blazek of Lawler, IA.

He was preceded in death by his parents Ben and Lydia and in-laws Tony and Mildred Blazek, brothers Charles, Bernard, and Donald, sisters, Marian (John) Bell, Esther (Fran) Joyce, Sister Marirose Anstoetter RSM, Alice (Gene) Wieser; sisters-in-law, Caroline Anstoetter, Vi Anstoetter, Doris Anstoetter, brothers-in-law, Mike Blazek, and three children in infancy; Linda, Michael, and William.

A Gerald A. Anstoetter memorial fund has been established

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.reifffuneralhomeinc.com