Gerald Jose

Gerald Dean Jose, "Jerry Jose", passed away at the age of 85 on September 22, 2026, at his home in Collins, Missouri, after a long illness.

He was devoted to his family, honest and hardworking.

Jerry was born on August 1, 1941, in Fargo, North Dakota and raised in Helena, Montana by his parents, Rudolph James and Mary Magdelene Jose. In 1959, he joined the United States Navy. He served until his honorable discharge in 1963, that chapter of his life shaped his character and left him with a steady sense of duty.

It was during this time that Jerry met the love of his life, Brenda Womble and on September 21, 1963, he married her, and together they built a marriage that would span more than six decades.

In August of 1965, Jerry began working at Witt Printing Company after 42 years of employment he retired in 2007.

Jerry loved his family. They were his greatest pride and joy. Jerry could often be found outdoors, doing the things he enjoyed. He was an avid hunter and fisherman. He especially treasured gigging trips with his brothers-in-law, and camping trips with his family. While indoors he watched sports especially boxing, baseball and football. He also watched westerns, he liked westerns. (Maybe they reminded him of Montana when he was a kid.)

Nothing lit up Jerry's face quite like his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Playing with them was, without question, a favorite pastime. The kids always knew they had a grandpa who loved them dearly.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife of sixty-three years, Brenda Elaine Jose; his two daughters, Leisa Marie Mallett and spouse Eric and Shannon Lee Keene and husband Kevin. His grandchildren, Derek Scott Mallett and wife Lara, Justin Dean Mallett and wife Katy, Josee Taylor McGregor and husband Corey, Elizabeth Elaine Mallett, Dalton Riley McGregor, Kristen Loehmann and husband Nick, Kayla Beasley and husband Cody, Kimberlee Hatfield and husband Wes, and Colton Sutt; and his great-grandchildren, Rhett, Henley, Paislee, Reid, Parker, Ophelia, October Dawson, Paisley, Finn, Hayes, and Everly. He is also survived by his brother, Ronald James Jose and wife Jill; his sisters, Evelyn Marie Whitlake and husband Fred and Nancy Lynn Fenske and husband Gene; his sisters-in-law, Karen Miller and Vicki Capps and husband Jeff. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rudolph and Mary Jose; and 2 brothers, Phillip Alexander Jose and an infant brother, David Jose.

We take comfort in knowing that he has found rest at last. After facing his long illness with the same quiet strength that defined his whole life and that he was surrounded by the family who loved him.

We will hold fast to the many memories he leaves behind, his wink and his smile and the sound of his laughter. He was loved deeply, and he loved us deeply in return.

May he rest in peace and may those who mourn him find comfort in the knowledge that his love lives on in each of us. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Midwest Cremation and Funeral Services of Springfield, MO.