Jerry Lee Havener, the son of Orin and Opal (Bruere) Havener was born August 28, 1944 at Bussey, Iowa along with his paternal twin sister, Jane Ann Havener. He passed away on Monday, April 17, 2017 at the Red Oak Healthcare Community, Red Oak, Iowa at the age of 72 years, 7 months and 19 days.

Jerry graduated from Fairfield High School, Fairfield, Iowa. Early in his adult life, he spent his days helping his father, Orin, with the family Shell station and the local Dairy Queen. Jerry was united in marriage to Joyce Henderson in June of 1964, and to this union, two sons were born, Todd Allen and Brian Russell. He later married Sherry Ruppert on March 1, 1969 in Iowa City, Iowa, and to this union two children were born, Christopher and Nicole. He developed a strong interest in automobiles and took pride in cleaning and racing them with his older brother, Donald E. Havener. Some people described Jerry as a "rabble rouser", but Jerry was always looking out for those who couldn't take care of themselves. He never tolerated a bully and never backed down from a fight.

Jerry's interest in automobiles fostered a career in trucking, where Jerry spent the remainder of his working years behind the wheel of a semi-tractor trailer. He worked for several organizations, including the US Mail Service, Dairy Delivery, and United Parcel Service. He earned 35 years of safe driving, never having had an accident, and several awards for efficiency and safety. He took great pride in teaching his children to maintain and drive vehicles safely. His last several years, Jerry found comfort in believing God cared for him, was his creator and savior. He conveyed many times: God is in control and knows what is best for us.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, twin sister, Jane Ann Kisling, brother-in-law, Dale Taylor and several aunts and uncles.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Sherry of Red Oak, IA; 3 sons: Todd (Danielle) Havener of Burlington, IA, Brian (Barb) Havener of Friendswood, TX, and Christopher (Mary Beth) Havener of Red Oak, IA; daughter, Nicole (Christopher) Havener-Gillespie of Carmel, NY; 10 grandchildren: Taryn and Teague Havener; Broc and Brandon Havener; Maysen, Georgia and Corben Havener; Jack, Conor and Emmet Gillespie; 2 brothers: Charles (Jane)Havener of Dewitt, IA and Don (Connie) Havener of Dewitt, IA; 2 sisters: Billie Jean (Ernie) Wilfong of Omaha, NE and Peggy Taylor of Moab, UT; several nieces, nephews, along with other relatives and friends.

May God bless his memory and give strength to those who mourn.

A Private Celebration of Life Service will be held.

Family requests in lieu of flowers memorials be directed to the family at 700 Miller Ave. Red Oak, IA.

Sellergen-Lindell- DeMarce Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.