Gerald Thomas Hayes, age 82 of Atlantic, IA, died peacefully with family by his side on Sunday, October 10, 2021, at the Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, IA.
Jerry was born in Des Moines, Iowa on May 10, 1939. His family moved to Cedar Falls, Iowa where Jerry attended high school at Cedar Falls High class of 1957. High school sparked a loved for athletics which continued throughout his life time. In those years he met the love of his life Gwen (Gersema) Hayes.
Following his high school graduation, he served the United States Air Force from 1958-1962. Gwen and Jerry were united in marriage on October 10th 1960 in Homestead Florida. To this union, four children were born, Ann, Bryan, Casey and Pete.
Jerry worked managing Sears and Montgomery Ward stores, which lead the family to settle in Atlantic in the early 1970’s. Jerry’s career transitioned to Glacier (Mahle) where he retired as the OSHA and Worker Comp Coordinator.
Jerry was a man of strong faith. He was an active member of the St. Peter and Paul’s Catholic church. Jerry was an avid supporter of his community. Jerry volunteered many hours to Atlantic High School Athletics. You could often find him filming events or enjoying the games. During his time there he was able to combine two of his passions, sports and helping others.
Throughout his lifetime Jerry developed a great love for the outdoors. He passed this down through his children and grandchildren by the many hours he spent hunting and fishing with those he loved. Most of the time these events were followed by a fish fry, and no one loved a fish fry more than Jerry.
Jerry never lost his youthful heart. He brought smiles and laughter everywhere he went. To this he gave credit to his Irish heritage. He is survived by his wife Gwen of Atlantic, four children: Ann (Rob) Ayers of New Lennox, IL, Bryan (Diane) Hayes of Atlantic, IA, Casey (Kim) Hayes of Overland Park, KS, and Pete (Naiomi) Hayes Ewa Beach, HI, Scott (Kellie) Travis fourteen grandchildren: Darby, Madison, Alec, Mary, Brandon, Chase, Josh, Shannon, Alina, Calob, Kesly, Travis, Kevin, and Lily, Joshua, Jacob, five great-grandchildren Lexi, Jackson, Benny, Braxton, Eden, two brothers: John and Tom, and many nieces and nephews.
He is proceeded in death by his mother: Ann (Behan) Hayes, two brothers: Bill and Pat, one sister: Mary Catherine, and one grandchild: Chase.
Open visitation with family present will be held from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., with a rosary service at 6:30 p.m., on Friday, October 15, 2021, at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic, IA.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m., on Saturday, October 16, 2021, at the Saints Pater & Paul Catholic Church in Atlantic, IA. Committal will take place following the mass at the Saints Pater & Paul Catholic Cemetery. Following the committal service, a luncheon/reception will be held at Saints Peter & Paul Catholic Parrish Center.
Memorials may be directed to the Hayes Family in honor of Gerald, and will be designated to some of his favorite organizations/charities.
The staff at the Schmidt Family Funeral Home in Atlantic, IA is handling the arrangements for the Hayes Family. Condolences may be left at www.schmidtfamilyfuneralhomes.com.
