Jerome (Jerry) John Deluhery passed away peacefully at Greene County Medical Center in Jefferson February 5, 2025, at the age of 85 years. Jerry was known for his generous heart, his ability to fix almost anything, and his love for anything with an engine. He enjoyed spending time at his shop, at car shows, and with his coffee groups. His grandchildren and great-grandchildren lovingly called him “Pop.”
Jerome was born February 18, 1939, in Carroll to Sarah Ina Minnehan Deluhery and John (Jack) William Deluhery. He was a true Irishman (93 percent ancestry.com testing!) Growing up on a farm in Cedar Township, Greene County, Iowa, he attended country school until third grade when he entered Lohrville grade school. In 1957, Jerome graduated from Lohrville High School.
After working at various farming jobs, he was employed by the Iowa Highway Commission in 1959. He worked as an inspector of new construction in many locations around the state, retiring 42 years later from the Iowa Department of Transportation. Jerry proudly gave Iowa maps to many, but he rarely needed one. He knew small towns in Iowa and could name the roads one would take to get there.
He was united in marriage to Elaine Fields on Oct. 8, 1960. They were parents of four children. He enjoyed following their children’s and their grandchildren’s many activities.
He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church, and was 4th Degree in Knights of Columbus, serving as Grand Knight twice. He was a past member of the Elks Lodge and Torque Masters Car Club of Lake City.
Jerry was hardworking, dependable, and ready to help anyone he could. Many will remember him tooling around town in his red dune buggy and T Bucket that he built. He always loved working on cars and was eager to help others with their automotive projects. He was a huge fan of car racing, spending time at the Jefferson and Boone tracks, in addition to many trips to the Indianapolis and Kansas speedways. During these years he attended races at 21 different dirt tracks. His own cars were spotless, and he dedicated time to washing his own cars and those of others who happen to park in his driveway.
Jerry will be missed by his wife Elaine; children Matthew (Liz) Deluhery of Medford, NJ, Dan (Nancy) Deluhery of Stuart, Teresa (David) Skalla of Jefferson, and Joan (Michael) Wagemester of Cedar Rapids; grandchildren Alison, Amy, Sarah, Theo, and Martin Deluhery, Jenni (Tristan) Brown, Courtney Hill, Hilary (Nate) Tobey, Abbey (Nic) Faust, Jeffrey (Angie) Skalla, and Calvin Skalla, and Jill and Sadie Wagemester; and great-grandchildren Mara, Becca, Bryant, Sage, Wes, Evalyn and Emery.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his one brother, Gerald; and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
