Posted on August 21, 2023 at 1:33 PM by Emily Saveraid
Jerry started as a member of the Cedar Sod Busters 4-H Club in Lee County. He attended Kirkwood Community College and returned to Lee County to work in the family business, Houghton Feed. Jerry was a purebred York producer who worked closely with 4-Her’s in surrounding counties to provide them with winning swine projects.
In 2004, the family business merged with another local feed and supply store to become Quality Plus Feeds. Jerry, along with his wife Amie, and the company became strong supporters of the Lee County Fair, and Lee County 4-H.
Jerry’s main focus was to make sure that all exhibitors were financially supported in the junior livestock shows and auction. Often, Jerry would be the first to contribute to a member in the area who had a winning animal at the Iowa State Fair.
Jerry was the person who supported not only his children, Jenna and Jacob when they were in 4-H, but all 4-H’ers. He was the person who sat in the stands to watch the livestock shows, and the person who bought so many animals throughout the years at the junior livestock auction. Jerry was one of a kind, he had a helping hand, and a giving heart. When Jerry was not busy working at the family business, he was spending time with his family.
Jerry committed his life to helping and giving to 4-H and the community. Jerry’s legacy continues with his family and the family business who continue to support Lee County 4-H.