Jerry E. Nalan

November 1, 2014

Jerry E. Nalan, age 84, of Mason City, Iowa passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2014 at his home. Jerry requested cremation with no memorial services or military rites. Memorials in Jerry’s name may be made to either the First Congregational Church in Mason City or the Britt school system. Jerry Eugene Nalan, the son of John Patrick and Marguerite (Helm) Nalan, was born June 17, 1930 in Mason City, Iowa. He graduated from Mason City High School in 1948 and received his Associate of Arts degree from Mason City Junior College in 1950. He received his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Iowa and also did graduate studies at the University of Iowa. He served 3 1/2 years in the 133rd Infantry Division of the Iowa National Guard and attended summer military bases. Jerry served four years in the United States Air Force during the Korean War between 1951 and 1955. He was stationed at Lackland AFB, San Antonio, Texas, headquarters North East Air Force Command Peperal AFB, St. John’s, Newfoundland, Miami International Airport, and Charleston AFB and received an Honorable Discharge. In 1960 Jerry began his 30 year teaching career at State Center High School, State Center, Iowa where he was head wrestling coach and taught high school social studies for two years. Jerry received the American National Red Cross highest honor “Certificate of Merit” award in recognition of services rendered on May 31, 1961 when he administered mouth-to-mouth resuscitation to Ann Hilleman who sustained severe injuries in an automobile accident on senior prom night. His prompt action saved her life. First Aid was also given to the other victims of the accident. Issued in Washington, D.C. July 27, 1961, John Kennedy. Jerry taught elementary physical education and swimming at the Britt Elementary School, Britt, Iowa for 28 years before retiring in 1990. He was a certified water safety instructor for many years and taught lifesaving classes at City Beach in Clear Lake, Iowa. He spent winter months in Yuma, Arizona since 1990. His main interest was his family. He enjoyed attending sporting events of the younger generations, college basketball games, spring training baseball games in Yuma and was an avid golfer while socializing with the good ol’ boys. He liked to dance and loved all types of music. Jerry was president of the Britt Rotary Club and was a member of the United Methodist Church in Britt. He sang in the church choir. He was also a member of the First Congregational Church in Mason City. He enjoyed the summer municipal band concerts at East Park and the ones at Clear Lake Central Park. For many years he volunteered to drive queen candidates in the Mason City Band Festival. And he could often be found at the Mall visiting with his buddies over coffee. At the July 4th Clear Lake 2007 Parade, Jerry, with a cheap throw away camera, took a picture of presidential candidate, Hillary Clinton. She was within three inches of his face. Another highlight was when President Bill Clinton put his hand out to shake Jerry’s hand and he was reluctant to shake it at first. Then he did as he was a good President and he wanted the honor of shaking hands with a President. Excerpts from Jerry’s journal: “Nobody Knows It But Me” (Author Unknown) “There’s a place I travel when I want to roam and nobody knows it but me. The roads won’t go there and the signs stay home, and nobody knows it but me. It’s far, far away and way, way afar, it’s over the moon and the sea; and wherever you’re going that’s wherever you are and nobody knows it but me.” God Bless My Family! I love you all. Three great stepsons, wives and families and all my relations, sisters and many nieces and nephews! Jerry is survived by his sisters Merilayne Muth, Mason City, Iowa and LuCretia Gourley, Goodyear, Arizona; sister-in-law Barbara Nalan, Grand Rapids, Minnesota and many nieces and nephews, stepsons Dr. Monte Harvey (Pam) of Hawarden, Iowa. Scot Harvey (Jean) of Portage, Wisconsin and Todd Harvey (Loretta) of Erie, Colorado and many grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Ruth Webb and Valoyce Cooper; and brothers Clayton “Squirt” Nalan, John “Bud” Nalan and Norvard “Snip” Nalan.