Gerald Duane Derifield

Gerald D. “Jerry” Derifield, 68, of Waterloo, died Monday, October 26, 2020 at MercyOne Waterloo Medical Center.

He was born August 14, 1952 in Waterloo, the son of Clarence E. and Doris J. Winkleman Derifield.

He married Sandra Winning; they later divorced. He then married Diane M. Hein July 3, 2007 in Denver, Iowa. He was a machinist at John Deere for many years, retiring in 2001. After his retirement he worked as a bus driver, maintenance worker, and lawn keeper for Friendship Village and Western Home Communities.

Jerry was a member of UAW Local 838. He was a union steward at John Deere for many years. He played softball for several years where he was known as “Digger,” and he coached T-ball and baseball over the years. He was also involved in many pool leagues and enjoyed playing cards.

He enjoyed his social time with residents at Friendship Village and the Western Home and could easily strike up a conversation with just about anyone.

He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He helped with many youth hunts. He taught his grandchildren how to hunt and fish and enjoyed taking them on fishing trips. Spending time with them was his favorite hobby and he never missed their events.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Diane of Waterloo; two sons, Shon (Prad) Derifield of Wisconsin, and Jerry Lee Derifield of Waterloo; a daughter, Amy (Jason Lewis) Derifield of Waterloo; 13 grandchildren, Toby (Kori) Pratt, Hunter (Kayla) Risse, Cameron (Shyanne) Pratt, Crysta (Pierce) Derifield, Emilee Derifield, Matthew (Taylor) Fecht, Chris Fecht, Ryan Fecht, Nathan Bass, Shelby Bass, Lindsey Bass, Bradon Bass, and Addie Bass; one brother, Pat (Evelyn) Derifield of Waterloo; two sisters, Pamela Truax and Roxanne Derifield‚ both of Waterloo; and his beloved dog, Abbie.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two brothers, Dennis and Eddy Derifield; one sister, Sandra Galle; and one nephew, John Derifield.