Gerrit Jongerius Jr., 84, Steen, died Tuesday, March 8, 2005, at Luverne Community Hospital in Luverne. Services were Saturday, March 12, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rock Rapids, Iowa. The Rev. John Wolf officiated. Burial was in Riverview Cemetery at Rock Rapids.Gerrit "Garret — Doc" Jongerius Jr. was born to Gerrit Sr. and Gerritje (Van Putten) Jongerius on Feb. 20, 1921, on the family farm south of Lester, Iowa, the 12th of 13 children. During his childhood the family lived north of Steen, then Sheldon, Iowa, and finally settled in Rock Rapids. He graduated from Rock Rapids High School in 1939. After graduation he went to California to join his two brothers and began learning the carpentry trade. He entered the U.S. Army Air Corps in August 1942. He was shipped to the Pacific Theater in 1943. He served in New Guinea, the East Indies, the Philippines and Australia during his two years overseas. He was awarded five bronze stars, the Distinguished Flying Cross, good conduct ribbon and air medal. He was discharged in October 1945. After the war he returned to construction work in California and later moved back to Rock Rapids.He married Audrey Richters on Feb. 20, 1951, at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Rock Rapids. They lived in Rock Rapids until 1957 when they began farming north of Kenneth. In 1960 the family moved to a farm west of Ellsworth where he farmed and did carpentry work. In 1975 they moved to Ash Creek where he lived until his death. Survivors include four children, Gary (Debbie) Jongerius, Lakeville, Mark Jongerius, Ash Creek, Cheryl Jongerius, Oakes, N.D., and Jean (Brad) Jongerius Hoffman, Spencer, Iowa; two grandsons, Alan and Craig Jongerius, both of Belle Plaine; and many nieces and nephews. Mr. Jongerius was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Audrey, in 1998, four brothers and eight sisters. Roste Funeral Home, Rock Rapids, was in charge of arrangements.
