Jerry A Russell

Jerry A. Russell, 78, of Prescott died suddenly in a farming accident at his home in Prescott on September 21, 2016. Jerry, son of Clarence and Marjorie Hoskinson Russell, was born on March 8th, 1938 at the family home in Adams County Iowa. He graduated from Corning High School in 1955 and began farming while still in high school.
In 1957 he and Sharon Amdor were married and started farming east of Corning and continued to farm in Adams, Taylor, and Union counties until his death. He was especially proud to be named the Iowa Master Corn Grower in the contour division in 1968 and 1969, and to earn his pilot’s license to fly. Jerry had many special interests and hobbies over the years including stock car racing, flying, tractor pulling, snowmobiling, and traveling. He worked hard and played harder.
Jerry was known for his infectious smile. He was a leader, an innovator, and mentor. He never knew a stranger and was well known for sharing his life experiences through his storytelling. Wherever he went, there was bound to be a crowd gathered to listen, especially on the antique tractor rides he love to participate in with his friends and family.
Jerry would say his greatest accomplishment in life was his family. He and Sharon were blessed to have 3 children, 9 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren whom they enjoyed spoiling and taking on family trips. When the grandchildren turned 11, they were taken on a solo trip of their choice where they made their own unique memories with Grandpa and Grandma.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, brother Richard, and nephew Paul.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 59 years, Sharon, 3 children, Julie (Jerry) Reed of Lenox, Barbie Burnett of Newton, and Robbie Russell (Julie) of Prescott, 9 grandchildren, Jason (Alicia) Reed, Jenn (Seth) Evans, Josh (Jessi) Reed, and Jordan Reed all of Lenox, Will (Heather) Burnett of Waukee, Sam Burnett of Ames, JaLynne (Ben) Schmaling of Prescott, Keaton (Paige) Lundquist of Tarkio, MO, and Gracie Russell of Ames, and 11 great-grandchildren Parker, Zoey, Jack, Reese, Dawson, Dani, Tenley, Marshall, Briar, Cohen, and Grayson as well as brothers and sisters in law and nieces and nephews.