Jerome J. “Forky” Forkenbrock, 66, of Epworth, Iowa passed away peacfully Wednesday December 5, 2018 at 6:15 a.m. at his home in Epworth, Iowa surrounded by his family.

The family will greet friends and relatives of Jerome from 1 to 6 p.m., Saturday, December 8, 2018 at the Reiff Funeral Home in Epworth, Iowa.

He was born July 21, 1952 in Alton, Iowa, son of Bernard and Esther (Bergfeld) Forkenbrock. He is a graduate of Western Dubuque High School in Epworth. On March 2, 1974 and March 31, 2018 he was united in marriage to Debbie McDermott. He was employed at the John Deere Dubuque works for 40 years.

He was an avid Harley Davidson rider. He loved spending time with his family and friends, especially his grandson, Ean.

He is a veteran, having served in the Air Force as an Airman and K-9 Patrol.

He is survived by his wife, Debbie Forkenbrock of Epworth, IA; A daughter, Hilary (James) Muir of Farley, IA; a grandson, Ean J. Muir of Farley, IA; two brothers, Fred Forkenbrock of Egan, MN and David (Sue) Forkenbrock of Sarasota, FL; his mother-in-law, Coletta McDermott of Cascade, IA; sisters and brothers-in-law, Patrick (Marva) McDermott, Donna (Patrick) Smith, Sharon (Dave) Reardon, Bernard (Mary) McDermott, Mary (Gerry) McDermott-Weydert all of Dubuque, John Gansen of Epworth, Bonnie (Neal) Gotto of New Vienna, IA, Terry (Connie) McDermott of Dubuque, and Rhonda (Tom) Gotto of Epworth.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his father-in-law, Donald “Bennie” McDermott; his brother, James Forkenbrock; sisters and brother-in-law, Peggy Gansen, James McDermott and Mary Forkenbrock.

The family would like to thank Special Friends Ron McKiernan and Earl Pfab, Dr. Shaw, Dr. Hermann, Tony and Sandy at Grandriver Oncology and Dr. Johlin at the University of Iowa Hospital and the staff at Hospice of Dubuque, especially Edna and Nicole for all the care and support they gave to Forky.

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