Jerry Lee Courtney, 86, died Oct. 28, 2023, at the SE Iowa Regional Hospice House. He was born Feb. 2, 1937, to Gerald W. Courtney and Alberta Gerling Courtney in Louisa County.
He attended a one-room school through 8th grade and then graduated from Wapello High School in 1956. He graduated in 1960, with a degree in Finance and Economics from Iowa Wesleyan College. He eventually found his way to Northwestern Mutual Life Insurance Company as a Financial Advisor. He enjoyed guiding individuals, couples, families, and business owners in preparing for a comfortable, happy, and productive retirement. Jerry retired after 57 years.
Jerry played football in High School and college which led to another passion - football officiating. He officiated for 58 years. He always said he loved it so much he would have done it for nothing! He was inducted into the Iowa High School Football Athletic Association Officials Hall of Fame. He hung up his whistle in 2022.
Jerry was instrumental in beginning the Purple and Gray Foundation for the purpose of renovating Bracewell Stadium. He was also active in the Burlington Chamber of Commerce.
Jerry met Patricia "Pat" Murphy at Iowa Wesleyan and they were married in 1961. Sons, Jay Dee (Stephanie) and Chris Allen were born in 1962 and 1967. They are the proud grandparents of Jack and Jared, all of Dallas, Texas.
Those left to honor his memory include his wife of 62 years, of Burlington; son, Jay Dee and wife, Stephanie, of Dallas, Texas; grandsons, Jack and Jared of Texas; brothers, Tom of Burlington and Larry of Las Vegas, Nev; sisters, Joyce Stych of Muscatine and Judy Morgan of Tucson, Ariz.; many cousins, nieces, and nephews; and his morning coffee buddies at Pookies.
He was preceded in death by his parents, son, Chris Allen, and siblings, Michael Courtney, Patricia Slater Krogmeier, and Bonnie Jean Murphy.
Cremation has been entrusted to the care of Prugh Crematory.
Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until noon with the family to receive friends Friday, Nov. 24, 2023 at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street.
The memorial service for Mr. Courtney will start at noon, Friday, Nov. 24, 2023, at Prugh Funeral Service, 3940 Division Street. A time of food and fellowship will be held at the Burlington Golf Club following the service. Burial will be in Aspen Grove at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Purple and Gray Foundation, 11886 Irish Ridge Road, Burlington, IA 52601.