Gerald Kay

Gerald Kay, 98, of Atlantic, passed away Wednesday, May 3, 2017, in his home.

Gerald Laverne Kay , son of Harry and Hattie (Sanny) Kay, was born on February 2, 1919, in the same home where he passed away. He was one of four brothers that attended country school and his family often provided housing for teachers. Gerald graduated from Atlantic High School in 1935. Following graduation, he obtained his pilot's license, using it for both business and pleasure.

Farming has always been a part of Gerald's life. He often said he saw it all in his lifetime, from horse-drawn carriages to today's current machinery. Gerald loved to tell the story of him and his brothers walking to Troublesome Creek to saw ice blocks out of the river. He raised fat cattle, hogs, capons, and turkeys. He dressed the turkeys and sold them locally to families and to Viason Company in Storm Lake. In addition to his own farming operation he owned and operated Kay and Larsen International and his own elevator; which still stands today. In the 1950's, he was one of the first locally to start an alfalfa plot. When Gerald wasn't in the fields planting he was always working to improve the land with use of his road grader and bulldozer, and over the years developed a keen eye for just the right smoothness. He used these skills to develop the Fairlawns Addition in Atlantic. He didn't miss a year of harvest and was looking forward to bringing in this year's crop.

On October 4, 1986, he was united in marriage to Muriel I. Sheriff at the Audubon Presbyterian Church. The couple enjoyed going to shows in Branson and at the Oak Tree Opry in Anita. They were members of the Audubon Travelers and National Campout group. Gerald and Muriel were looking forward to serving at the upcoming Audubon Travelers campout at Hancock Park on May 19th. They made countless friends while wintering in Texas for the last 25 years. They have always treasured their continued relationship with their foreign exchange student, Nikolai Buergin.

He was a 50 year member of the Elks Lodge, served as Deacon at the First United Presbyterian Church, was elected Cass County Supervisor for 4 years, and bowled with the Turkey Bowlers. Always active in the betterment of Atlantic's farming community, he was 4-H leader of Grove Township HOT, member of the Cass County Cattleman's, and served on the fair board, including one term as president.

Gerald will be deeply missed by his family that includes his wife, Muriel Kay of Atlantic; sons, Stuart (Phyllis) Kay of Atlantic, IA, Fred (Jane) Kay of Atlantic, IA, and Howard (Sandy) Kay of Castle Rock, CO; step-sons, Steven Eberle of Dayton, IA and Michael Eberle of Dana, IA; grandchildren, Roger (Becky) Kay, Amy (Chris) Williams, Colene (Doug) Hahn, Jennifer (James Worley) Nugent, Scott (Tara) Kay, Teresa Kay, Kelsey (Joey) Alzola, and Charlie (Annie) Kay; great-grandchildren, Megan (Kyle) Miller, Paige Williams, Jon Williams, Cole Hahn, Claire Hahn, Abby Kay, Drew Kay, Nate Kay, Jax Alzola and Lily Alzola; brother, Henry Kay and his special friend, Erma Lange; and many nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; sons, Dwight Gerald Kay in infancy and Alan Kay; daughter, Judy Kay; brothers, Eldon (Mayme) Kay and Robert (Alice) Kay; first wife, Betty Sue Kay; sister-in-law, Zoe Kay; nephew, Larry Kay; and niece, Marcella Jensen.

Visitation with the family will be held from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m., Sunday, May 7, 2017, at Roland Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, May 8, 2017, at the First United Presbyterian Church in Atlantic with Reverend Rachelle McCalla officiating. Family burial will be in the Atlantic Cemetery prior to the funeral service.

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

IN REMEMBRANCE OF

Gerald Kay

BORN
February 2, 1919 - Rural Atlantic, Iowa

PASSED AWAY
May 3, 2017 - Atlantic, Iowa
At the age of 98 years, 3 months, 1 day

FUNERAL SERVICE
10:30 a.m., Monday, May 8, 2017
First United Presbyterian Church - Atlantic, Iowa

OFFICIATING
Reverend Rachelle McCalla

ORGANIST
Jan Highfill

CONGREGATIONAL HYMNS
“One Day At A Time”
“Amazing Grace”

CASKET BEARERS
Grandchildren and Great-Grandchildren
Roger Kay
Amy Williams
Colene Hahn
Jennifer Nugent
Scott Kay
Teresa Kay
Kelsey Alzola
Charlie Kay
Megan Miller
Paige Williams
Jon Williams
Cole Hahn
Claire Hahn
Abby Kay
Drew Kay
Nate Kay

FLOWER COMMITTEE
Marilyn Vernon
Linda Waters
Marilyn Wilson
Marcella Waltz

INTERMENT
Atlantic Cemetery - Atlantic, Iowa


The family invites you to join them for lunch in the
fellowship hall immediately following the service.