King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory obituary – Jerry Allen Pickard, 84, Fort Madison

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PICKARD

Jerry Allen Pickard, 84, of Fort Madison, IA, died Thursday, Oct. 28, 2021 at The Kensington in Fort Madison. In his final days he was surrounded by his family: his wife of 54 years Barbara (Hawbaker) Pickard, his daughter Allison (Pickard) Park, his son-in-law Mike Park, and his only grandchild, Charlie Park whom he adored.

Jerry was born on May 17, 1937 in Fort Madison. He was the son of Hiram and Lula Etta (Smith) Pickard. Jerry taught English for 35 years at Fort Madison High School and wore a suit and tie to work every day. He was caring, but tough. He cherished the chance the help students grow. He also made them diagram sentences, read Ivanhoe, memorize poetry, and answer roll call with a formal “It is I, to whom you are speaking”.

Jerry loved sunshine on his face, a strong coffee in the morning, a cold beer in the afternoon, classic books, and loud thunderstorms. He loved traveling and seeing the world. He loved a good bar, a Brandy Manhattan, and chatting with strangers. He loved riding in his convertible, dropping off ground squirrels in Illinois, and listening to Tina Turner. But most of all, he loved making people laugh. Jerry’s wit will never be forgotten.

In addition to his immediate family, he’s survived by his brother Duane Pickard. He was preceded in death by brothers Darrell and Bill Pickard, and sisters Helen Heisig, Shirley Hoskins, Mary Ward, and Betty Pickard.

Because Jerry loved literature, a memorial will be established in his name with the Fort Madison Public Library. Contributions may be sent to the Fort Madison Public Library at 1920 Avenue E, Fort Madison, IA 52627.

Cremation has been entrusted to the care of King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory. A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held in the near future. Burial will be held at Calvary Cemetery in West Point, IA. Online condolences to Jerry’s family may be left at the King-Lynk Funeral Home & Crematory website: www.kinglynk.com.

One of his favorite poems captures the rhythm and spirit of his life:

I’m Nobody! Who are you?
By Emily Dickinson

I’m Nobody! Who are you?
Are you – Nobody – too?

Then there's a pair of us!
Don't tell! they'd advertise – you know!
How dreary – to be – Somebody!
How public – like a Frog –
To tell one's name – the livelong June –
To an admiring Bog!

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