Gerald Bair

Gerald "Jerry" Bair, age 85, passed away Sunday, November 7, 2004 at the Cass County Memorial Hospital in Atlantic, IA. Jerry was born March 10, 1919 to Otis and Alma (Poole) Bair near Shelby, IA and lived there until the age of seven when the family moved to St. Edward, NE. He graduated from the St. Edward High School in 1936. On November 6, 1940 he was united in marriage to Mildred Schuster in Omaha, NE. They moved to Atlantic in December of 1945 where he managed the farm department of the Sears store for 11 years. In April of 1956, he purchased the Firestone store from Pat Pederson which he operated until he retired January 1, 1984 when he sold it to Roger Anderson, a long time employee. Jerry enjoyed his business and his relationships with his customers and employees over the years. Jerry was an avid golfer who loved the game. In his 80's, he had two hole in ones at the Atlantic Golf and Country Club where he was able to play until August of this year. Jerry also spent many fun, leisure hours after his retirement playing cards with friends and family and through their 64 years of marriage, he and Mil loved to dance. He was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by everyone. We will always remember his wonderful smile and his zest for life. He is survived by his wife Mildred of Atlantic, IA; a daughter, Karen Klevos and husband Dan of Atlantic, IA; a son, Jack Bair of Hamden, CT; two grandchildren, Doug DeWitt of Phoenix, AZ and Kinsey Bair of Cheshire, CT; two great grandsons, Mike and Dustin DeWitt and several nieces and nephews. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents; one sister Margaret Webb; one daughter-in-law, Clarice Bair and one grandson, Michael Dewitt.