Gerald Joseph Vaske

Gerald Joseph Vaske, age 79 of Remsen, IA passed away on Monday April 15, 2024 at Mercy One Siouxland Medical Center in Sioux City, IA.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 AM Friday, April 19, 2024 at Holy Name Catholic Church in Marcus, IA with Rev. Timothy Pick officiating and Deacon Doug Heeren assisting.  Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Remsen.  Graveside military honors will be conducted by V.F.W. Post 3328 and American Legion Post 220 of Remsen.  Visitation with family present will be 4-7 PM. Thursday, there will be a Knights of Columbus Catholic Order of Foresters rosary and vigil prayer service at 5 PM all at Fisch Funeral Home & Monument in Remsen.  Visitation will resume from 9:30-10:15 AM on Friday at the church.

Jerry was born on Dec. 3, 1944 in Le Mars, IA the son of Cletus & Ophelia (Rolfes) Vaske.  He was raised near Remsen and graduated from St. Mary's Catholic Schools in 1963.  He then enlisted in the Army National Guard.  Jerry had various jobs before he began farming southwest of Remsen.

On Nov. 23, 1968 he married Diane Schroeder at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Remsen, IA.  The couple made their home on the farm southwest of Remsen where Jerry continued farming for 55 years.

Jerry was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus, Catholic Order of Foresters, American Legion and the Remsen Color Guard.  

Outside of farming and his faith, he enjoyed bowling, playing cards, Remsen basketball league and softball league in Oyens for many years.

He is survived by his wife, Diane of Remsen, IA; four children, Lisa (Ray) Brenner of Schaller, IA, Michael Vaske of Remsen, IA, Kevin (Sara) Vaske of Le Mars, IA, Jill Barinsky of Marcus, IA; 10 grandchildren; Kelsey, Hailey and Tyler Brenner, Abbie, Jaxson and Khloe Vaske, Kiefer Schmidt, Andrew, Blake and Emma Barinsky; his siblings, Dennis (Jan) Vaske of Park Rapids, MN, Lynn (Joe) Galles of Remsen, IA, Allen Vaske of Warrenton, MO, Randy (Jane) Vaske of Remsen, IA; 2 brothers-in-law, Paul Schorg of Remsen, IA and Bob Schroeder of Le Mars, IA; 9 sisters-in-law, Marlene (Jerry) Harpenau, Judy Pottebaum, Linda Schroeder, Nancy (Butch) Tentinger, Pam Poeckes (Ted Nothem) all of Remsen, IA, Janice Wurth, Joyce (Dan) Ruden, Peggy (Tony) Pick, Suzanne Steichen all of Le Mars, IA; numerous nieces and nephews.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Cletus & Ophelia; sister, Shirley Schorg; father & mother-in-law, Dominic & Valeria Schroeder; brothers-in-law, Joe Galles, Richard Schroeder, Michael Schroeder, Jerry Wurth, Lou Arens, Mark Poeckes, Ron Pottebaum.; one sister-in-law, Margie Schroeder; nephew, Chad Galles; 2 nieces, Angie Wurth and Mary Freking.

Casket bearers will be Shane Galles, Jeff Schorg, Terry Schorg, Brad Wurth, Ryan Vaske and Jeff Harpenau.