Jerry Ray Dickerson

Jerry Dickerson, 78, of Oskaloosa, passed away Saturday, October 1, 2022, at his home in Oskaloosa. Jerry Ray Dickerson, son of Raymond Abraham and Hazel Mae (Breuklander) Dickerson, was born March 1, 1944, in Oskaloosa. Jerry grew up in Oskaloosa and attended Oskaloosa schools. His first employment was building pole barns with Edwards & Campbell; he worked at that job for 13 years. He then operated a bulldozer for Mich Coal Company for six years, and in 1974 was hired by Kaiser Corporation, where he operated a bulldozer for another six years. In 1980, Jerry was hired by Mahaska County Road Maintenance Department; he again operated heavy equipment, and for the last ten years with the department, he was the road foreman. In 2000 he retired from the department because of health concerns. Jerry married Linda Selvy, and two children were born to that union. They later divorced. June 21, 1986, he was united in marriage to Sandra Suzanne (Dunning) Van Steenis. He and Sandra enjoyed camping and spent several seasons at the Iowa State Fair. They traveled in their camper to Arizona and wintered there for three years. He also enjoyed working in his wood shop, creating many items for his family and friends. Jerry enjoyed the simple task of lawn mowing and, for several years, volunteered many hours grooming the fields at the Lacey Sports Complex. Jerry was a member of the First Assembly of God Church and was active in several roles. His family includes his wife, Sandra of Oskaloosa; his children Mark (Chris) Dickerson of Evans, IA, and Marty England of Columbia, MO; his step-children: Deborah (Greg) Braden of Oskaloosa, Robert (Cara) Van Steenis of Ankeny, IA, Marna Abdulkader of Oskaloosa, and Christina (Tracy) Wiltse of Oskaloosa; 14 grandchildren and 16 great-grandchildren; and his siblings: Virgie (Dwight) Van Zee, Shirley (David) Fox, Betty (Merlin) Robertson, and Janet (Rick) Welch, all of Oskaloosa and Paul (Luppe) Dickerson of Huntington Beach, CA. In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by a stepson, Mark Van Steenis, a brother-in-law, Dwight Van Zee, and several aunts and uncles. Funeral services for Jerry will be held at 10 a.m., Wednesday, October 5, 2022, at the First Assembly of God Church in Oskaloosa with Pastor Mike Dotson officiating. Cremation will follow the service and private family interment of his ashes will be held in Forest Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 11 a.m., Tuesday, at Langkamp Funeral Chapel & Crematory. The family will greet visitors from 5-7 p.m. Memorial contributions can be made to the First Assembly of God Church.

Jerry Ray Dickerson

March 1, 1944 - October 1, 2022