Gerald Dow

Graveside Services and Interment for Gerald "Jerry" Dow will be held on Saturday, August 1, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at the Alma Cemetery at Alma, Nebraska with Pastor Jim Bendorf officiating.  Military honors will be provided by the Alma American Legion Fay Cady Post #118 in conjunction with the United States Naval Honor Guard.

Visitation will be held on Friday, July 31, 2015 from 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. with the family greeting from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. at the Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma.

Gerald Dow, beloved husband of Rachael, passed away on Saturday, July 25, 2015 at the Elk Ridge Assisted Living in Elkhorn, Nebraska at the age of 88 years.  Jerry had courageously endured cancer for the past three years.

Additional funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 30 ^, 2015 at the Associated Church in Hawarden, Iowa with Rev. Barb Joy officiating.  Visitation will be after 4:00 p.m. Wednesday, with the family present from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Porter Funeral Home in Hawarden, Iowa.

Jerry was born to Glen and Lois (Mathes) Dow on September 8, 1926 in Alma.  His early life was spent on the family farm and dairy and he graduated from Alma High School.  He enlisted in the United States Navy and served his country from 1944 to 1946.  On April 10, 1949, he was fortunate in marrying Rachael Rodine.

After graduating from Kearney State College, he attended mortuary school in Los Angeles, California, graduating valedictorian in 1952.  He had a long career caring for others, ending with the sale of the Dow Funeral Home in Hawarden in 1989.

Jerry enjoyed many years wintering in Arizona with his wife and many friends and relatives. Golfing, fishing, and playing cards were a lifetime passion.  He was a member of the Masonic Lodge, the American Legion and many Hawarden community organizations.

Jerry leaves to celebrate his life; his loving wife, Rachael Dow of 66 years of Elkhorn; their children:  Kenneth Dow of Muskegon, Michigan and Mary Lynn Grewe and her husband, Jim of Omaha, Nebraska; five grandchildren:  Brian, Lauren, Kevin, Heather, and Hannah; one great-grandchild, Gabriel; his loving sister, Elma Jean Waggoner and her husband, Rolland of Republican City, Nebraska, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and so many friends.

Besides his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his son, Ron; two brothers:  Elden and Duane; and Vivian and Harlan Lewis (special in-laws).

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

A memorial has been established in Jerry's honor and will be designated at a later date.

The Bauer-Torrey & Mach Funeral Home in Alma is in charge of the local arrangements.