Jerry Cranston, 81 of Deep River passed away Saturday evening, February 4, 2017. Funeral services will begin at 10:30 am Thursday, February 9, 2017 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home in Montezuma. Burial will be held in the Golden Rod Cemetery in Deep River. Visitation will begin after 12:00 pm Wednesday, February 8, 2017 at the Holland-Coble Funeral Home with the family present from 5:00 pm to 7:00pm. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Deep River Fire Department or the United Church of Deep River.

Jerry Cecil Cranston, the son of Cecil and Lula (Mohr) Cranston, was born August 24, 1935 in Oskaloosa, Iowa. He graduated from Deep River in 1954. On March 13, 1959, Jerry was united in marriage to Karen Derby in Oskaloosa. To this union five children were born, Michael, Timothy, Kimberly, Mark and Laurie. Jerry farmed with his father in the Deep River area and hauled gravel for Bert Ross before working for Donaldson's in Grinnell for 25 years. Jerry was a wonderful father, grandfather, great grandfather and enjoyed spending time with his family. He also enjoyed coffee time at the Deep River Legion Hall every afternoon, his daily golf cart ride around Deep River and watching Wheel of Fortune and the Andy Griffith Show. Jerry was a member of the United Church of Deep River, the Deep River Fire Department and he was on the Deep River Housing Committee.

Jerry is survived by his four children, Michael Cranston of Deep River, Kimberly Koch of Deep River, Mark (Robin) Cranston of Deep River and Laurie (Marvin) Tanke of Guernsey; nine grandchildren Kelly (David) Bayer, Kyle (Leslie) Tanke, Kami (Ray) Walters, Derec Koch (Friend Rachael), Kandi (Mike) McDonald, Jeri Lynn Koch, Sara (Waylon) Pierce, Jesi (Brandon) Wanders and Amy (Shane) Kriegel; 18 great grandchildren Emily, Ryan, Nolan, Beth, Brooklyn, Myles, Rj, Grant, Braden, Blake, Ethan, Emma, Ella, Haylee, Wylie, Kalynn, Lincoln and Kyler and two brothers, Jim (Marlene) Cranston of Montezuma and Greg (Rachel) Cranston of St. Louis, Missouri, along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Karen Cranston and an infant son, Timothy.