Jared R. Elder
September 04, 2015
Jared Richard Elder, 74, went to be with His Lord on Friday, September 4, 2015, while surrounded by family. He was born on January 1, 1941, the first baby born in Polk County, to Richard Gordon Elder and Helen Yvonne Humeston Elder. He married Judith Ann Hammer on February 14, 1963, and together they had 2 children, Julie Elder Wood (David Wood) of Anderson, Indiana and Jared “Jay” Richard Elder II, (Faith McKee) of Des Moines, Iowa. He is survived by his deeply loved grandchildren, Jordan Jared Sandefur, Ashlen Sandefur, Brielle Sandefur of Anderson, Indiana, and Jared Richard Elder III and Jaden Elder of Des Moines, Iowa.
In May of 1960, Jerry and his dad, RG, started R.G. Elder and Son Company. When RG retired, Jerry continued his leadership of the company until June 2000, when Jay joined the company and it was renamed Elder Corporation. Jay continues to run the company and followed in his dad’s footsteps as Jerry’s health declined.
Jerry is also lovingly survived by his siblings, Yvonne Elder Norman, Barbara Elder Bougher, Harry, Tim and Kevin Elder, and Cynthia Elder Bernhardt. He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Dennis. Jerry was a strong influence in the lives of his 18 nieces and nephews on his side and the 5 on his wife’s side. He loved and was loved by them and his 35 great-nieces and nephews and even great-great-nieces and nephews.
While Jerry was devoted to his earthly family, he also served his Lord and his spiritual family faithfully at First Church of the Open Bible by serving on the board for over 40 years and at New Beginnings for 4 years. He was a loyal friend and caretaker of the Pastors of his churches, including Frank W. Smith, C. Daniel LeLaCheur, Kenneth Groen, Danny Thomas, Rod Querry, and most recently James Weaver.
Jerry will be missed by his loyal circle of friends of over 50 years who still gather together several times a week for supper, coffee, and supporting each other through life events.
The last 2 years of Jerry’s life were spent at Luther Park Care Center where he was lovingly cared for by nurses on “A” Hall. The family wants to thank all the staff at Luther Park, and especially thank Lisa, Karen, Pavel, and Shantal.
There will be a viewing on Tuesday, September 8 from 4:00 to 8:00 pm at New Hope Assembly of God in Urbandale and a Celebration of Jerry’s life on Wednesday, September 9 at 10:00 am at New Hope Assembly of God in Urbandale. Memorial contributions can be made in Jerry’s name to New Hope Assembly of God where it will be given to several charities.
Condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
Mike Wiedman
09/09/2015
Jerry,
You believed in me at a time I desperately needed someone to. I will forever remember and cherish the wisdom and integrity I gained from you. I will never find a man I will respect more than you. You have raised a wonderful family and built a well respected company that has been my pleasure to work for for 24 years. Thank You. God Bless.
Bill Brunia
09/09/2015
To Jerry's family: I am so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. I pray that you will know the peace that passes all understanding at your time of loss.
Paul D. Clark
09/09/2015
You are remembered in our thoughts and prayers.
Paul and Marlene
Moyna Family and Mobile Track Solutions
09/09/2015
Sorry to hear of the passing of Jared. The Moyna family and their employees have had a long history with the Elder family and the Elder business. Great Man, Great Family.
John Mikovec and Family
09/09/2015
Mom is at Trinity and we got to know Jerry a little bit in our visits there. My Dad was a mechanical contractor in Des Moines and worked over the years with the Elders' on many successful projects. Rest in Peace.
Dan Moeckl
09/08/2015
Jerry was always an encouragement to me while I worked with him for almost 2 years. There was never a doubt where he stood with his Lord and Savior. Judi was always at his side encouraging him. He instilled in his son Jay a desire to see the company continue and flourish. Jerry will be missed by his family, co-workers and friends.
Torie Bassett & Family
09/08/2015
I am so sad to hear about Jerry's passing. He was such a wonderful man. My thoughts and prayers to Jerry's family, and my Uncle Tim, Aunt Brenda and cousins. He will be greatly missed.
Bob Peitzman
09/07/2015
Brenda and I are so very sorry for your loss. Jerry was one of the first to reach out to us when we attended First Church of the Open Bible. I am thankful that he is with the Lord in heaven, and that we will someday be together for eternity. Jerry was a good friend, and I will miss him.
Carol A. Morris
09/07/2015
Thoughts and prayers, to Jerry's family.
Will Canine
09/06/2015
My business associations with Jerry were always cordial....he was a fine person.
God's peace be with you.
Stan & Janet Sandefur
09/06/2015
We are so sorry to hear of Jerry's passing. We have so many good memories of him. Praying the the Lord will give you strength and comfort at this time of your loss.
Larry and Nancy Young
09/06/2015
So sorry for your your loss but He's Heaven's gain. What a privilege to have known Jared beginning with Jay's days at GV Little League. Through the years our business paths would cross and his testimony never changed. Several years ago when he was walking at Park Fair Mall he never failed to greet me as I walked there as well . He would share about his family, his faith and always would ask"if I was on my way to Heaven". Oh yeah and ask what kind of music I was listening to, reminding me that Gospel music was the best. Remember the past and cherish your memories. Phil1:3
Dan and Mardell LeLaCheur
09/06/2015
When a pastor has a support team with men like Jerry Elder...the work of the Lord will succeed....Jerry was faithful, constant, encourager and supported by his wife, Judi in all he did. Jerry made the world better because he lived in it.