Jerry Poch

Jerry Poch, 85, of Atlantic, Iowa, formerly of Chicopee, Massachusetts, passed away on Wednesday, February 14, 2024, at his home in Atlantic.  

Jerry Dean Poch was born on December 20, 1938, to Frank and Leona (Eggerstedt) Poch in Atlantic, Iowa.  He grew up in Atlantic with his sister, Nedra, graduating from Atlantic High School in 1956 and from Northwest Missouri State College with a Bachelor of Science degree in 1961.  After college, Jerry enlisted in the United States Army at Fort Carson, CO.  Jerry was a successful salesman who then later went on to found Pochemco in 1969, a chemical manufacturing company that provides hospitals and laboratories reagents for running analytical tests.  He would travel throughout the northeastern part of the U.S. during his career and decided to settle down once he met Patricia Gillam, a med tech from South Dakota who had also moved to the east coast.  Together they had one son, Matthew.  As a family, they would travel to various destinations throughout the country but especially enjoyed time in Arizona to visit family.  In his later years, Jerry worked as a courier for Ecolab into his 80’s, and in 2023, he decided to make his way back to Atlantic to spend his final times.

In Jerry’s personal time, he was a Jack of all trades.  He was proficient in most home construction projects, such as drywalling, painting, plumbing, electrical, tiling, framing, etc.  He spent a lot of time passing down those skills to his son Matthew.  Jerry loved to explore the world around him and was frequently found taking leisurely country drives just see the many sights surrounding him.  He found great pleasure in staying in touch with his old friends from his home town, Atlantic, and was a devout follower of God. 

Jerry is survived by his son, Matt & Jayne Poch of MA; daughter, Melissa & Josh Rogers-Obal of MA; grandchildren, Katherine, Ethan, Donovan and Alana; sister, Nedra Bird; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews. 

He is preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Leona; wife, Patricia; aunts and uncles; and many dear friends. 

Visitation with the family present will be from 9:30 a.m. to the time of service on Tuesday, February 20th at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., following the visitation.  Burial, with military honors by the Atlantic Color Guard, will be in the Atlantic Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the family for later designation.          

Roland Funeral Service is caring for Jerry’s family and his arrangements.  Condolences may be left at www.rolandfuneralservice.com.