It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Edwin G. Abolt (Jerry), 89, of St. Paul, IA on March 17th 2024 following a short illness.
Jerry was born December 3rd, 1934 to Eugene “Stanley” and Elizabeth M. (Moeller) Abolt, the seventh of nine children. He graduated from St. Paul High School in 1952 and married Janet S. Ludden on November 11, 1961.
Jerry spent his entire life in the St. Paul community where he farmed the family farm which consisted of soybeans, corn and even sun flowers on occasion. He also raised hogs and cattle. Upon retirement, he continued his passion for the outdoors through gardening, raising bulldogs and peacocks. Even when his childhood illness of polio eventually forced Jerry to utilize a motorized scooter, this did not prevent him from enjoying his day-to-day activities of building items, small farming projects and maintaining the family farm. His problem-solving skills constantly demonstrated his ability to “work smarter, not harder”.
Jerry also had a passion for cooking and was always preparing the daily meals as well as holiday meals for the entire family. This past Thanksgiving he prepared a traditional meal for 18. He was at his happiest cooking and baking with his grandchildren.
Jerry was a member of the Knights of Columbus, served as Marquette High School President, and was a member of the St. Paul God’s Acre Sale committee. He was proud of his hole in one on Hole 5 at Green Acres and liked to cajole family golfing members they needed to catch up.
Jerry’s quick wit, genuine character, along with mischievous and prankish personality among his friends and peers will be missed by all. He continued making jokes and creating laughter all the way to the end.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 62 years, Janet Abolt; sons, Scott Abolt (Marybeth) and Todd Abolt (Jean) both of Cuba, MO; daughters Kathy Rogers (Todd) of Fairfield, IA and Sara McCartin of San Diego, CA; grandchildren David Abolt of Palm Beach Gardens, FL, Rachel Barrick (Dakota) of St. Louis, MO, Marisa Repp of Cedar Rapids, IA, Lindsey Repp of St. Louis, MO, Lauren and Paige McCartin of San Diego, CA; one brother Stanley (Mary) Abolt of Fort Madison, IA; two sisters, Doris Boeding and Helen (David) Hoenig both of West Point, IA; nieces and nephews.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters and two brothers.
Family will greet friends from 9:30 am to 10:30 am Friday morning, March 22, 2024 at the St. James the Less Catholic Church, St. Paul, with Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 10:30 am Friday, March 22, 2024 with Reverend Dan Dorau as Celebrant. Burial will be at St. James Cemetery, St. Paul. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established for the St. James the Less Catholic Church, contributions may be left at Barr Memorial Chapel or at the church during the service. Barr Memorial Chapel is honored to serve the Abolt family and an online guest book may be found at www.barrmemorialchapel.com.
