In Loving Memory
Jerry L. Goodlaxson
October 13, 1930 - March 1, 2022

The family requests that memorials be given to:
Emmetsburg Catholic School

Jerry service will be live streamed on the Martin-Mattice Facebook page.

VISITATION
Saturday, March 5, 2022
9:00 - 10:30 A.M.
Holy Family Catholic Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL
Saturday, March 5, 2022
10:30 A.M.
Holy Family Catholic Church
Emmetsburg, Iowa

CELEBRANT
Rev. Bill Schreiber

INURNMENT
St. John's Catholic Cemetery
Emmetsburg, Iowa

Jerry Leon Goodlaxson, son of Verne Ivan and Iva Ethelyn (Johnson) Goodlaxson, was born October 13, 1930 at the Palo Alto County Hospital in Emmetsburg, Iowa.  Jerry's mother passed away when Jerry was a young boy.  His father was later married to Hazel who was very instrumental in raising Jerry.  He received his education in the Emmetsburg Public Schools, graduating from Emmetsburg High School in 1949.  Jerry then attended Drake University for a semester before enrolling at A.I.B. in Des Moines.  Upon completion of his business training, Jerry began a lifetime career in Insurance sales and adjusting.  He was involved with several leading insurance companies in crop hail coverage as well as being involved in claims management.

Jerry was united in marriage to Charlotte Catherine Noonan on October 8, 1949 in Fairmont, Minnesota.  They were blessed with 9 children.  Jerry and Charlotte had the joy of celebrating 72 years of marriage.

Jerry was a faithful member of Holy Family Parish in Emmetsburg.  He was a member of Knights of Columbus Council #963 of 3rd Degree and Knights of Columbus Bishop Heelan Assembly of 4th Degree.  He was an active member in St. Pat's Association for many years and served as chairman.  Jerry was honored with being the Grand Marshall of the St. Pat's Celebration in 2007.  He was a former member of the Junior Chamber of Commerce and had most recently served on the R.S.V.P. Advisory Council which he truly enjoyed.

Jerry loved hunting and going fishing.  He enjoyed doing yard work as well as feeding and watching the birds. Above all, Jerry absolutely loved his grandchildren and thoroughly enjoyed their visits.

Jerry passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2022 at PARC Hall in Emmetsburg, Iowa at the age of 91.  He was preceded in death by his parents, Verne and Iva Goodlaxson; his adoptive mother, Hazel; a grandson, Chris Opat; and son-in-law, Lin Hillyer.

He is survived by his wife, Charlotte of Emmetsburg, Iowa; his children, Pam Hillyer of Emmetsburg, Iowa, Mary Opat of San Tan Valley, Arizona, Bill (Barb) Goodlaxson of Emmetsburg, Iowa, Mike Goodlaxson of Council Bluffs, Iowa, Bob Goodlaxson of Urbandale , Iowa, Jim (Joan) Goodlaxson of Emmetsburg, Iowa, Tom (Janey) of Spirit Lake, Iowa, Tim Goodlaxson of Ankeny, Iowa and Kevin Goodlaxson of West Des Moines, Iowa; seventeen grandchildren; fourteen great grandchildren; one great-great grandchild; as well as other relatives and many friends.

Arrangements by Martin-Mattice Funeral Home