"Our Deepest Sympathy to the Auten family. We enjoyed meeting Jerry at his grandson Walt's wedding to our daughter Kristin in New Hampshire. We know how special having his grandfather present was for Walt at this special moment. We will always remember his sweet smile dancing with his late wife Ruth as the longest married couple on the dance floor. May Jerry Rest In Peace and may the Auten family know you are all in our thoughts and prayers during this loss. Our Deepest Condolences, Tom & Kate Dolan Londonderry, New Hampshire"
In loving memory of
Gerald "Jerry" Duane Auten
January 30, 1932 - March 2, 2023
Gerald "Jerry" Duane Auten, 91, of Fort Dodge, passed away on Thursday, March 2, 2023, at Trinity Regional Medical Center.
Funeral services will be 10:00 AM Wednesday, March 8th at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. Burial will be at North Lawn Cemetery with military rites by the V.F.W. Post 1856 and the U.S. Army Honor Guard. A visitation will be 4:00 to 7:00 PM Tuesday at Laufersweiler Funeral Home.
Jerry is survived by his daughter Deann "Kim" Cockrum-Rolfes and her husband Dave of Gowrie, son Gerald Duane Auten, Jr. and his wife Sue of Norwich, VT, grandchildren Danyel Cockrum of Grimes, Andrew (Jackie) Cockrum of Fort Dodge, Walt (Kristen) Auten of Litchfield, NH, Mark (Deb) Rolfes Solon, Amie (Rob) Vicker of Johnston, 6 great grandchildren, sister Suzzann (Roy) Tallman of Cleveland, TN.
He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Ruth in 2021, son-in-law Dan Cockrum, brothers Wilbert (Bill) Auten, Douglas Auten, sisters Nancy Brodie, and Vicki Pressler.
Gerald Duane Auten was born on January 30, 1932, near Havelock in Pocohontas County to the late Margaret and Charles Auten. He graduated from Fort Dodge Senior High School. In 1952, Jerry was drafted into the U.S. Army serving during the Korean War until his honorable discharge in 1954 as Seargent. On January 18, 1956, he was united in marriage to Ruth Elaine Mathiesen of Mitchell, IA. To this union 2 children were brought into the world, their daughter Kim and son Gerald Jr.
Jerry worked for Colonial Bread for many years, and then he started Jerry's Pest Control which he owned and operated until his retirement. He will be remembered by his frequent trips to Canada, his flower and vegetable gardens, Honor Guard Service with the V.F.W. Post 1856, fishing and hunting with family and friends. Jerry loved his wife Ruth of 66 years, his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He was lifetime member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church.
Memorials may be left to the discretion of the family.
Tributes
"Very sad to read about his passing. I enjoyed his stories of hunting and fishing and being on the VFW Post 1856 Honor Guard with him. A very nice guy and I?m glad I could call him my friend. He will be missed. Rest In Peace Jerry."