Jerry William Eimers

DIKE-Gerald W. “Jerry” Eimers, 92, of Dike, died Thursday, September 6, 2018 at the Cedar Valley Hospice Home in Waterloo. He was born October 17, 1925, in Halfa, Iowa, the son of Emil J. and Adella (Meyer) Eimers. He married Darlyn Schommer November 25, 1949 in Burt, Iowa. She died February 16, 2012. Jerry served in the United States Army during World War II. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Upper Iowa University in Fayette in 1949 and received 30 hours towards his Masters degree from the University of Northern Iowa. He taught and coached at the Onslow Independent School District from 1949-1953, Clarksville Independent School District from 1953-1955, Greene Community School District from 1955-1976, where he also served as Athletic Director, and finally from 1976 until his retirement in 1990 at the Dike Community School District, where he coached the 1980 Dike boys’ basketball team to a state championship. Jerry experienced great joy from the family that he and his wife Darlyn created, supported, and nurtured. This extended into retirement as he was eager to visit his family and friends, particularly if it involved his grandkids. He rarely turned down an invitation to a grandchild’s musical performance, graduation, game, or other significant event. Coach Eimers was inducted into the Iowa HS Hall of Fame in both basketball and baseball, as well as in the Upper Iowa University Athletic Hall of Fame. Toward the end of his career, he was the winningest active coach in Iowa boys’ HS basketball and retired with a record of 533-286. Despite his successes, players remember him as being fair, equitable, and committed to finding ways where everyone could play a contributing role—from star player to the manager. Coach knew that to be successful at the high school level, it was necessary to develop the skills and talents of the community’s youth. Thus, he spent significant time on the diamond, the court, or at the chalkboard over his 38-year career helping young players get better—no matter their gifts. To be sure, Jerry’s true passion was shaping the personal character of those kids. These former players and students have held golf outings on his behalf, invited him to lunch when in town, dedicated a book to him, and graciously paid for his accommodations at their high school reunions. After decades, they still called him “Coach.” This seemingly small gesture was actually one that brought him so much pleasure and pride. The family wants to acknowledge, in particular, the friends who stopped by to visit and the neighbors who kept a watchful eye on 603 5th Street as their dad’s health wavered. Just one example of this dedication was that if his living room shade wasn’t open by a designated time in the morning, be assured his phone would ring. Jerry is survived by one daughter, Jennifer (Kevin) Cartee of Peosta, four sons, Wendell (April) of Peosta, Jeff (Colleen) of Shorewood, WI, Mardy (Lisa) of Columbia, MO, and Dan (Carol) of San Diego, CA; eighteen grandchildren; ten great grandchildren; and one brother Ervin (Pat) of Burt, IA. He was preceded in death by two sons, Larry and David Eimers; four brothers, Ray, Everett, Don, and Wilfred; and one sister, Darlene Schmidt. Services 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, September 11, 2018 at Fredsville Evangelical Lutheran Church, 32756 150th St, Cedar Falls, IA 50613, with interment in the church cemetery. Visitation will be from 4 to 7 p.m. Monday at Fredsville Lutheran Church. Memorial contributions may be directed to Cedar Valley Hospice. Online condolences may be left at www.richardsonfuneralservice.com.

Jerry William Eimers

October 17, 1925 - September 6, 2018