Jerry L. Ferrell Obituary

Jerry Lee Ferrell, 84 passed away at home Monday December 16th, 2024 from natural causes. Jerry was born on November 13th, 1940 to James Marion Ferrell and Esta Mumaw on the family farm outside Valley Falls, KS. His early education was just down the road from the farm at the Swabville one room school. He graduated from Valley Falls HS, received his undergrad degree in Maryville, MO and his Master’s Degree from the University of South Dakota. He taught at Maurice-Orange City HS & Northwestern College in Orange City, IA., Lincoln HS and Central Academy in Des Moines for more than 25 years combined, helping students learn biology, chemistry and physics in the most fun and interesting ways. When he wasn’t teaching you could find him in the darkroom working on his latest photographs. He had multiple showings of his photography in Des Moines museums. He also spent time after retiring from teaching as a Master Gardener for the City of Des Moines, creating and maintaining parks and public spaces for everyone to enjoy. In his down time, he could be found writing Haiku and doing Sudoku. He enjoyed visiting B&B’s regularly with friends. Most often you could count on wonderful stories about growing up on a farm and all the wonderful changes he was able to see throughout his lifetime.

Jerry is survived by his sister Joanne (Chuck) Lewellen of Bloomington, MN., his brother Wayne Ferrell of Valley Falls, KS., his son James (Lizzie) Ferrell of Chaska, MN and his daughter Sherry (Ryan) DeHaan of Lincoln, NE; Eight grandchildren, Jennifer and Kylee Ferrell of New Hartford, IA., Alexis Ferrell of St. Louis Park, MN., Garbrielle Ferrell of Luverne, MN., Elise Ferrell of Fargo, ND., April (Seth) Vander Laan of Omaha, NE., Janna DeHaan of Orange City, IA., and Grant DeHaan of Lincoln, NE. He was preceded in death by his wife Lorraine E. Ferrell and his parents James and Esta Ferrell.

A Memorial Gathering will be held from 2-4 p.m. Saturday, January 11, 2025 at the Iles Westover Chapel in Des Moines.

To send flowers or a remembrance gift to the family of Jerry L. Ferrell, please visit our Tribute Store.