In Memory of Jerry W. Dungan

Jerry W. Dungan, age 82, of Marathon, Iowa, passed away on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at his residence of Marathon, Iowa. 

A Graveside Service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Thursday, November 5, 2026, at the Logan Cemetery of Logan, Iowa. Military Rites will be conducted by the Lemuel R. Bolter, Jr. Post No. 0118 of the American Legion of Logan, Iowa. 

The Christensen-Van Houten Funeral Home of Ida Grove, Iowa, is in charge of the funeral arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at www.christensenvanhouten.com

Jerry Walter Dungan was born on September 21, 1944, in Logan, Iowa, the son of Walter and Irene (Rockwell) Dungan. He was welcomed into this world by his brother Arlen “Mac” and later, they were joined by brothers Gary, Everett and Darrell. Jerry received his education in the Logan Community School District.

From January 1962 through January 1965, Jerry proudly served in the U.S. Army. He was honorably discharged from the reserve in January of 1968. He married Lola Adams in November of 1965 and through their union he was blessed with a son, Rusty and a daughter, Robin. Jerry and his family resided for some time in Schaller, Iowa. Following their divorce in 1982, Jerry resided in Storm Lake, Iowa, before moving to Marathon, Iowa.  

Jerry always had a ready smile for people he knew and strangers he had just met. It was not uncommon for him to have a pair of shoes, a coat or a blanket handy for anyone he came across who might need it. College students, friends, family or a stranger in a parking lot, it did not matter. Jerry spent many years making quilts (something he learned to do from his mom) and would give them to people locally and around the world. He made wooden toys and Barbie doll furniture for kids at Christmas. He would mow a lawn, give a ride to a grocery store, or doctor appointments for family, friends, and neighbors.

One of Jerry’s favorite daily traditions was making the trip to Storm Lake or Spencer to enjoy a cup of coffee and visit with friends and acquaintances. This cherished routine began many years ago at Ressler Drug and remained an important part of his life. Jerry also enjoyed visiting Goodwill stores throughout the area, always on the lookout for a good bargain or a hidden treasure. His appreciation for thrift shopping began years earlier when he worked at Goodwill while recovering from injuries sustained in a car accident. 

Throughout his working years, Jerry became well-known to many in the community through his dedication and friendly presence. He spent over 20 years employed at Buena Vista College, now Buena Vista University, where he initially worked in the maintenance department before transitioning to a position as a night watchman. Jerry also devoted more than 31 years to Walmart in Storm Lake, where he continued working until his retirement in the spring of 2026.

Although he was friendly and liked to visit with family and others when he was out and about, he was also a quiet man who liked his solitude. Jerry lived simply with no fuss; rarely asking for anything from anyone else. He was happy living by the beat of his own drum. A rhythm that only he knew. 

Those left to cherish his memory include his children Rusty (Adriana) Dungan of Omaha, NE and Robin (Gene) Edwards of Sioux City, IA; grandchildren Jessica, Tamera, Alan, Ozzy, and great-grandson Cyrus; brothers Arlen “Mac” Dungan, Gary (Lavonne) Dungan, and Everett (Carol) Dungan; many nieces and nephews; special friends Teresa Griggs and family. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Walter and Irene Dungan; brother Darrell Dungan; and sister-in-law Lorraine Dungan.