Jerry Solbeck obituary

Gerald “Jerry” Thomas Solbeck, age 87, of Ames, died peacefully on Saturday, December 4, 2021 at Mary Greeley Medical Center in Ames.

Friends may call from 1:00 until 3:00 P.M. on Monday, December 6, 2021 at the Adams Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Tuesday, December 7, 2021 at First United Methodist Church in Ames. Burial will be in Story Memorial Gardens in Ames.

Jerry was born the son of Harold Edward and Agatha Ann (Lowman) Solbeck on July 30, 1934 in Emmetsburg. He graduated from Humboldt High School in 1952. Jerry enlisted in the US Army in 1954 until 1956. Jerry graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Iowa State College in 1959.

Jerry was united in marriage with DeAnna “Dee” Kay Blessing on February 10, 1962 in Mason City. In 1966, Jerry and Dee moved to Ames. Jerry worked for the Iowa Department of Transportation for nearly 30 years as a civil engineer. He retired from Program Management in December of 1998.

Jerry was an active member at First United Methodist Church in Ames, being involved in United Methodist Men’s Group. He was also a member of the Elks, the Loyal Order of Moose, Kiwanis and Ballard Golf and Country Club.

Jerry was a loyal Iowa State Cyclone fan! He attended the Cyclone Coffee Club and was proud of his children being ISU graduates. Jerry was always very proud of his children and grandson. He was especially proud of his daughter, Kacia, when she won the World Food Conference award as well as his grandson, Jackson, who played football for New Mexico State University and earned his degree in three and a half years. Jerry attended many other coffee groups and was a social butterfly. He enjoyed traveling with his wife including going on cruises, staying at the Schlitterbahn Waterpark in Texas during the winter months or wintering in Texas for many years. He loved to play with his grandson, Jackson, and maybe get into some mischief with him. Jerry also was an avid golfer, Bridge and Cribbage player.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and his wife, Dee in 2011. He is survived by his children, Kacia (Tim) Cain of Indianola and Tom Solbeck of Houston, TX; grandson, Jackson Solbeck of Houston, TX.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Adams Funeral Home and online condolences may be left for Jerry’s family at www.adamssoderstrum.com. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be directed to First United Methodist Church in Ames.