Gerald Custer

Gerald Arthur Custer was born in a farm house east of Tennant, Iowa during a blizzard on December 11, 1912, to Vernon and Anna (Blair) Custer. Gerald attended Fairview #3 country school until 8th grade and then attended Harlan High School and graduated in 1931. Gerald participated in football, basketball, track and baseball while in high school. He then continued his education at Drake University and graduated in 1935. Gerald was a member of Drake’s track team that won the Missouri Valley Conference meets in 1934 and 1935. Gerald also won the 440 yard dash at the indoor conference meet in 1934. Gerald married Pearl Hulsebus on November 30, 1934. After their marriage, Gerald started his teaching and coaching career in Hillsboro, Iowa for two years; Avoca, Iowa for four years; and Woodbine, Iowa for ten years. In 1951 Gerald became the manager of the Harrison County Rural Electric Cooperative and held that position until he retired on December 31, 1978. After retirement, Gerald spent several years as a management advisor for Electric Power Associations in Nucla, Colorado and Cherokee, Iowa.

Gerald enjoyed fishing and hunting. He especially liked to fish for catfish with his sons at the Red River in North Dakota. He also enjoyed traveling. In his early retirement years, the couple toured most of the United States and Canada. Church was also an important part of Gerald’s life. He became a member of the First United Methodist Church in Woodbine in 1942. Gerald worked in almost every phase of Christian work during his life time.

Gerald died on Monday, May 23, 2011, at the Rose Vista Nursing Home in Woodbine, Iowa at the age of 98 years, five months, and 12 days.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; infant daughter; his son, Kenneth on October 17, 2001; five year old brother, Eldon; and one great grandchild. He is survived by his wife, Pearl Custer of Woodbine, Iowa; four children, Jackie Vern Custer of Logan, Iowa, Billy Ray Custer and his wife Ruby of Soldier, Iowa, Kay Irene and her husband Virgil Speake of Fountain Hills, Arizona, and Paula Ann and her husband Tom Lewis of Logan, Iowa; daughter-in-law, Josette Custer of Lohrville, Iowa; nine grandchildren; 14 great grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.

Funeral Services
10:30 am Friday, May 27, 2011
Fouts Funeral Home
Woodbine, Iowa

Clergy
Rev. Dr. J. Samuel Subramanian

Musicians
Mrs. Merrill McElwain
Bill Hutcheson

Selections
“Lord, I Have Come to the Lakeshore”
“My God and I” ~ “How Great Thou Art”

Pall Bearers
Cole Custer ~ Curtis Custer ~ Shane Custer
Cory Custer ~ Virgil Speake ~ Tom Lewis

Final Resting Place
Woodbine Cemetery
Woodbine, Iowa