Jerry Dean Strain, 87, of Le Mars, Iowa, passed away on Saturday, May 4, 2024, at Sunrise Retirement Community in Sioux City, Iowa. A Celebration of Life Service will take place at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 7, 2024, at the Mauer – Johnson Funeral Home in Le Mars. Visitation with the family present will begin at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home. Military honors will be conducted by Wasmer Post #241 of the American Legion and the American Legion Riders.

Jerry Dean Strain was born October 13, 1936, in Crawfordsville, Iowa to Fred and Sadie (Raymond) Strain. Jerry grew up in SE Iowa and was raised primarily by his father. One of his happiest moments of his childhood was naming his little brother, Teddy Louis. Although they grew up separated, he spent as much time with his brother as he could in his late teenage years.

Jerry spent nearly 20 years on active duty in the Navy. He enlisted on January 8, 1954, and was honorably discharged on April 26, 1973. Four of those years were spent with his brother in the Navy. Of those nearly 20 years, 18 years and 11 months were spent aboard numerous ships. He was stationed on the USS Kitty Hawk, USS Franklin D. Roosevelt, USS Ben H. Richard, USS Ranger, and USS Ticonderoga to name a few. He was part of the original crew that commissioned the USS Pyro in October 1957. Aboard the USS Ticonderoga on May 15, 1957, he crossed the equator on a 13-month journey from the East Coast, through the Panama Canal, and to the West Coast. He earned the rank of first-class petty officer among many other awards. His lengthy list of medals and awards includes; the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze stars, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with a device awarded in 1960, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal Vietnam Navy Unit Commendation ribbon with one bronze star, Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon, and the Good Conduct Medal first award for service ending in May 15, 1963. He also received many citations for good behavior. As one reads," for exceptionally meritorious service from 26 November 1965 to 14 May 1966 while participating in the combat operations against the insurgent communist guerrilla forces in the Republic of Vietnam. During this period, Kitty Hawk-based aircraft flew over 10,000 sorties and delivered over 10,700 tons of ordinances against enemy forces".

Upon retiring from the Navy, Jerry went to live with his brother in Estherville, Iowa where he spent time with his nieces and nephew. Jerry always had great joy in being an uncle and would take the children on grand adventures, which there are many stories told about.

While working at Berkley Jerry met the love of his life Katheryn Larson. They were united in marriage on August 13, 1976, and Jerry became a step-father to Glenn and James Larson. Jerry and Kathy welcomed a daughter, JeriKay Elizabeth, to the family in March of 1977. Jerry and Kathy made their home in Rural Jackson, Minnesota until 1996. At that time they moved to Estherville, Iowa. Jerry worked for the United States Postal Service from 1982- 1998. At this time Jerry and Kathy retired and enjoyed their retirement by traveling and spending time with their grown children and grandchildren. Jerry and Kathy made their home in Merrill, Iowa in 2004 and then moved to Le Mars in 2017. Jerry was a resident at Sunrise Retirement Community at the time of his passing on May 4th 2024.

Jerry is survived by his wife Kathy Strain of Sioux City, IA; his daughter JeriKay (Jason) Otto of Le Mars, IA; step-sons James (Carol) Larson of Sherman, TX and Glenn (Linda) Larson of Bondurant, IA; grandchildren, Justin Otto (fiancé Audra Penning) of Le Mars, IA, Sami Otto of Le Mars, IA, Brandy (Brendon) Jonsson of Lumberton, NC, Kyle (Katie) Larson of Sherman, TX, Travis (Kerry) Olson of Boudurant, IA, Richie (Holly) Gustin of Gilman, IA and
Chyenne Larson of Collins, IA; his brother Teddy Strain of Estherville, IA; as well as many great grandchildren and special nieces and nephews; 3 sisters-in-law; and many other special "kids".