Jerry Leahy

JERRY LEAHY

Fairfield

Jerry Leahy, 87, passed peacefully of natural causes at home on March 24, 2020, surrounded by family.

A private family ceremony and cremation were held at Behner's funeral home.

Jerry was born Oct. 24, 1932, in Tecumseh, Neb., where he grew up over the Leahy family grocery store.

He is survived by wife, Marge; three children, Roger, Jim and Mea; six grandchildren, Amber, April, Jesse, Ravon, Sean and Sam; two brothers, Dan and Mike; and three great-grandchildren, Julian, Adrian and Gabriel.

Jerry's banking career matured as a bank examiner, then as President of 2 Iowa banks, first in Rock Rapids then in Pella, Iowa.

After helping acquire the MIU Fairfield campus in 1974, and becoming a TM teacher, Jerry served as MIU's VP of Admin under Dr. Keith Wallace.

Then Jerry became co-owner and chairman of the family business, Overland Sheepskin Co., opening stores around the country with Marge.

He loved animals, and was our 'llama whisperer', lovingly caring for hundreds of pet llamas at his 'Llama Bliss Ranch' east of Fairfield.

Jerry was strong, hardworking, capable, gentle, patient, wise, and inspiring. He always was kind to everyone.

He had a remarkable memory, and was a gifted story teller with a great sense of humor.

Jerry and Marge shared a 69 year loving and supportive marriage. He and Marge always put their children and family first in their lives.

He lived life fully as a wonderful spouse, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, cousin, co-worker and friend.

So many of us were fortunate to be blessed by Jerry's outstanding life. We celebrate his transition to a great place of freedom.

Love, the Leahy Family.