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Friends may call at Slininger-Rossow Funeral Home in Jefferson after 11:00am Monday. There will be a Vigil For The Deceased at 7:00pm Monday, followed by visitation with the family until 9:00pm.
Fredrick Jerald Gower was born in Paton, IA, Aug 5, 1916 to Frank Gower and Nora (Bauer) Gower. Due to Jerry's father's poor health, the family moved to Colorado Springs, CO when Jerry was 5 yr. old. A couple of years later they returned to Paton, IA. and lived with his Grandfather and Grandmother Bauer. After his graduation from Paton High School, Jerry, his brother, Russell and their mother bought and moved to a farm west of Paton. Jerry also worked as a farm hand for John and Zola Fields. Jerry was married to Mary "Bernadette" Day on Sept 21, 1939 at St. Joseph's Church in Jefferson. Bernadette and Jerry adopted their son, Richard in 1965. Jerry, Bernadette, and Nora lived on the family farm until 1978 when Jerry retired from farming and they all moved to Jefferson to live. His son and family continued to farm the family land. Jerry was a member of St. John Church in Paton and the St. Joseph Church in Jefferson. Besides his family, Jerry's other loves included going to Canada every summer to fish, playing cards with family and friends, and after his retirement he took up the game of golf. He developed many long and lasting friendships from this game he learned to love. Jerry lived in Jefferson until Aug. 2003 when he moved to Lake City to live with his son Richard and family. In January 2004, Jerry moved back to Jefferson where he lived in the Greene County Hospital Long Term until his death on June 19, 2004. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Russell, and his beloved wife, Bernadette. He is survived by his son Richard and daughter-in-law Carol Gower of Lake City, his grandsons: Rob and wife Tara, of Marysville, OH, Tom of Powell, OH, Andy of Ames, IA, and granddaughter, Kelly of Lake City, IA. Also surviving is his sister-in-law Cleo Gower of Moberly, MO, and his niece and family, Janet and Chuck Vitt of Paris, MO. Jerry was a good friend to many and loved by all. He will be truly missed. |
