Jerold “Jerry” Jay Watson

Jerold “Jerry” Jay Watson passed away on his birthday surrounded by his family on January 7, 2025 at MercyOne North Iowa Medical Center, Mason City.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 13th at Clear Lake United Methodist Church, 508 2nd Ave N, Clear Lake; with Reverend Sylvester Holima officiating.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m.- 5:00 p.m., Sunday, January 12 th at Ward Van Slyke Colonial Chapel, 310 First Ave. North, Clear Lake, followed by one hour prior to service at the church on Monday. Burial will take place in Pleasant View Cemetery in Thornton.

In lieu of flowers, please direct any memorials to the Clear Lake United Methodist Church in Jerry’s memory.

Jerold “Jerry” Jay Watson, born January 7, 1939, in Mason City, to Gerald and Nellie (Nicolet) Watson. In his youth, Jerry enjoyed horse showing, 4-H, and the FFA, which sparked a lifelong passion for agriculture.

After graduating from Clear Lake High School in 1958, he dedicated himself to farm life. On September 20, 1960, Jerry married the love of his life, Judy. Together, they built their lives from humble beginnings in a home with limited heat and no indoor plumbing, working tirelessly to create a thriving family farm.

A proud third-generation farmer, Jerry raised the fourth generation to carry on the family legacy. Even as recently as October 2024, you could find Jerry lending a helping hand on the farm, chopping down corn stalks and sharing stories about his work. He was known for pointing out areas he had covered, marked by the fence posts pulled out of the ground by the drag.

Jerry was a man deeply rooted in his love for farming and family. Known for his heart of gold and sense of humor, he left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him. His legacy is one of hard work, dedication, and an unwavering love for his family and the land he called home.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 64 years, Judy; daughter Kim (Howard Heinz) Williamson; sons Jay (Sandy) Watson, Steve (Wendy) A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 13th at Clear Lake United Methodist Church, 508 2nd Ave N, Clear Lake; with Reverend Sylvester Holima officiatingWhitney (Matt) Koth, and Kelsey Watson; great grandchildren, Jax, Hazel, Rick, Baby boy coming in June, Skylar, Harrison, Aubrey, Brooklyn, Henry, Canaan, Boone; sisters-in-law Helen Hopkins, Ruth Cordes, Karen (Larry) Curry; and brother in law Ken (Kathy) Mortensen; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Gerald and Nellie Watson, parents-in-law Raymond and Esther Doolittle, sister Ardella Turner-Bolt, brother Delbert (Mary Ann) Watson, brothers-in-law Jim Turner and Ralph Bolt.

Ward Van Slyke is in charge of arrangements.