Gerald Michael Brown

Gerald ‘Jerry’ Michael Brown (80) passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at home where he could watch his bird feeders and enjoy the smells of home, surrounded by his loving family. Immediately after his passing, the yard and bird feeders were filled with cardinals, a beautiful sign from Heaven that Jerry had arrived.

Jerry was born to Harold and Maxine (Stark) Brown on June 28, 1943, in Sacramento, California. When Jerry was three, the family moved to Pilot Mound, Iowa, where his Dad took over the family farm. Jerry’s father died of polio when he was five and the family moved to Des Moines shortly after. He graduated from North High School in 1961.

Jerry attended Northwest Missouri State and received his degree in accounting. He worked as a CPA in Chicago and Des Moines. He raised his sons, Ryan and Eric, in the Des Moines area. Both boys played baseball and Jerry was active in coaching their teams.

Gerald and Rebecca Inez Olsasky met in 1998 and were united in marriage in 2003. Together, they enjoyed spending time with family and traveling, enjoying memorable trips to Italy and Alaska, as well as several trips to Disney World with their beloved grandchildren. Jerry loved classic cars, especially the Pontiac GTO, of which he owned two. He was also a member of the Central Iowa Pontiac Club.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Maxine Brown. Left to cherish his memory are his wife, Becky Brown; children, Ryan (Bonnie) Brown and Eric Brown; siblings, Gene (Mara) Brown and Michelle Bland; stepdaughter Sarah (Trevor) Bair; grandchildren Amber, Adam, Austin, Connor, and Caleb, and two great-grandchildren.

Jerry had an infectious laugh that, as a friend described it, “could fill a room” and “a twinkle in his eye brighter than any star in the sky”. A good, kind, and honest man, he was loved by many and will be missed by all who knew him. May he Rest in Peace.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, February 21, 2024, at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory (8201 Hickman Rd. Urbandale Iowa, 50322) from 5:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 22, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (1627 Grand Ave, West Des Moines, IA 50265) with interment to follow at Resthaven Cemetery (801 19th St, West Des Moines, IA 50265).