Jerry Ward Hosler

Jerry Ward Hosler was born December 30th, 1937, in the small farming town of Hale, Missouri. Jerry passed away January 29th, 2025, at his home in Des Moines, Iowa.

The family will greet friends at Sunset Memorial Chapel (7601 Fleur Dr., Des Moines, IA 50321) from 1:00 - 2:30 p.m. Sunday, February 2, 2025, with a time of remembrance at 2:30 p.m. Sunday. 

A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, February 3, 2025, at Pleasant Ridge Cemetery, Orilla, IA.

Jerry had a twin sister whom he often joked about being the “big brother” since he was 10 minutes older. His mother attributed his natural and skillful swimming abilities to the fact that he would sneak down to the river with all his older siblings although he was told not to. There was not much else to do in the small town of Hale. Jerry eventually moved to the Kansas City area where he lived in the horse stables. He became a jockey for a few years. In 1953 he won Best for Showmanship on a horse called Sweet Lassie at the American National Royal Horse Show in Kansas City.

He eventually followed his big sister, Ethel, to Des Moines, where he met his wife, Betty, settled down and raised a family. He stayed in Des Moines for the remainder of his life. Jerry was an uncomplicated man. He liked “simple.” He worked very hard – having only two jobs for his lifetime career of 46 years – International Harvester and Ruan Trucking Company from which he eventually retired so he could be the official grandchild babysitter and picker upper of grandkids from school for whatever reason arose. He always provided for his family. He loved to watch old western movies, go fishing, tinker in the garage, build bird houses and many other small projects. He taught his sons to hunt, his daughters how to take care of and ride a horse and his grandkids how to catch and clean fish. Most of all he taught his children love, honesty and how to respect others. From spring till late fall, it was most likely you would see him outside on his riding lawn mower with a cold drink and cutoff shorts. He loved being outside and took long walks until his health slowed him down. In his younger day he enjoyed a cold Old Milwaukee (usually with tomato juice and salt) and a Camel Cigarette. He gave up those habits many years ago for a healthier lifestyle. Jerry did not have an enemy in this world. His humor and wit were second to none which came naturally to him. He could pop off with a joke or a funny cliché off the top of his head without giving it much thought. His legacy of the kind, generous and loving man he will live on thru his children and grandchildren and more to come.

Jerry is survived by his wife Betty, sons Mitchell Hosler (Vickie), Wesley Hosler (Rhonda) – daughters Roxana Guthery (Randy) and Rhonda Hosler-Shaffer (James). Grandchildren Jeremiah, Amber, Jason, Amy, Eric, Nickolas, Curtis, Ryan, Braden and Owen. Many great grandchildren. Many nieces and nephews and a slew of friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Ward and Helen Hosler, brothers Robert and Kenneth, sisters Ethyl, Marjorie, Betty and his twin sister Janice.

"See you later alligator; afterwhile crocodile!"

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