Gerald ‘Jerry’ Hemesath

Monday, March 3, 2025 1:02 pm

Jerry Joe Hemesath, 69, of Ossian revved up the turbo and made his last full pull through Heaven’s gates on March 2, 2025 in the same home he had lived in most of his life.

Jerry was born on Aug. 30, 1955 the surprise only son of Raymond and Eulalie Hemesath at Winneshiek County Hospital.

Jerry was fortunate enough to have additional parents throughout his life his aunt and uncle Frank and Marie Broghammer lived on the farm with them, this is where Jerry became a little bit spoiled and the learned the art of manipulation that we are all familiar with. These four parents were older by the time he arrived so he had some substitute parents and siblings, these being Betty and Bob Carey family and the Joe and Caroline Schildmeyer family. He was educated at St Francis DeSales School and graduated with the South Winneshiek Class of 1973.

Jerry farmed the century farm north of Ossian all of his life, milking cows, raising hogs, and all the typical farm duties. In 1977 upon advisement of his farm partner and mentor Joe Schildmeyer purchased his first livestock trailer having to part with his beloved 1973 Plymouth Duster to do so. This was the beginning of Jerry Hemesath Trucking, hauling livestock, hay, straw and machinery, he was known throughout northeast Iowa and developed many lasting friendships and salebarn families. He was able to operate his business and haul livestock until the last few weeks of his life with his son Travis as co-pilot.

Jerry was famous in his tractor pulling years, being an Oliver man he was seen throughout all the local tractor pulls and has brought home many trophies. He was also a fan of the local racecar tracks sometimes attending 3 races per week, he supported many local drivers throughout the years including his daughter Melinda in her two man cruiser and Bomber cars. He referred to her affectionately as the “Blonde Bomber”.

In 1988 while visiting his aunt Marie at the Ossian Senior Hospice, he met the new administrator Eileen Courtney and they began a 35-year relationship that included milking cows, guiding Travis and Melinda to their adult years, of course attending the races and tractor pulls and lots of eating out. With the help of friends Mark Zweibohmer and Tami Monroe they were able to top off their long love affair by getting married the day before his death in their home with friends and family in attendance. Jerry said this was “the best day of my life”.

As a close friend called him a “fixture in Ossian” he was known for his driving uptown to “see what’s going on” and driving the loop with his one finger wave whether he knew you or not, his meticulously mowed lawn, sitting on his front porch in the summertime enjoying a beverage not always in appropriate attire. He made many visits to the local bars making many friends and adopting a few kids along the way who knew him as “Papa Bear”. His signature drink fondly called by many the “Jerry Joe” consisted of Seagram’s 7 and diet 7UP. He was a diehard Minnesota Vikings fan having missed watching very few games and also cheered on the Iowa Hawkeyes. Jerry’s proudest moment came in August of 2023 when he became a Grandfather for the first time to Brooks Joseph Lange, he is currently getting to know his second grandchild in Heaven while we wait for his/her arrival in June. Although not seen too frequently in church Jerry was a prayer warrior who had several visits with the Lord his savior throughout his days always praying for anyone who was in need.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 35 years (both unofficially and officially) Eileen of Ossian; his son Travis of Ossian; his daughter Melinda (Ryan Lange) and their son Brooks and new baby coming in June of Lewiston, Minn.; his brother-in-law Greg (Rosie) Courtney of Columbia, Mo.; and his nephews Michael (Kara) Courtney of Columbia, Mo.; Brad (Ina) Courtney of Chicago, Ill.; and Keith (Pricilla) Courtney of Holts Summit, Mo.; hIs sibling-like cousins Dolly (Dave) Panos of Decorah and Keith (Lisa) Carey of West Union; his substitute mother Caroline Schildmeyer of Ossian; and his special siblings Randy, Dale, Sandy, Nancy, Micheal and Patty and their families.

He is preceded in death by his parents Raymond and Eulalie Hemesath, his aunt and uncle Frank and Marie Broghammer, cousins, Bob and Betty Carey, Clifford Carey, Emmy Lou Carey and Robyn Dundee, his sustitute Father Joe Schildmeyer. His Mother and Father-in-law Paul and Mary Courtney and his many Collie fur family members.

The family wishes to thank the Rothmeyer and Schildmeyer families for their support throughout this journey and the staffs of Gundersen Clinic Calmar and Decorah, Winneshiek Medical Center and Hospice, and Gundersen Hospital of LaCrosse, Father Huber and Father Hertges for their visits and the most wonderful passionate care giver Kris Myers for her many visits and friendship.

Memorials may be made to St. Francis DeSales Church, Ossian Care Center, Winneshiek Medical Center Hospice and the Ossian Fire Department.

A Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., with a Rosary at 3:30 pm on Friday, March 7, 2025 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian. There will also be a one hour visitation before mass at the church on Saturday. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian, with Rev. Donald Hertges as the Celebrant. Interment will follow at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Cemetery in Ossian.

Schmitz-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Ossian is assisting the family with services.