Jerome Einck
Jerome Einck
Jerome Einck, age 100 of Decorah, IA, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2020, at Wellington Place in Decorah, IA.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, March 4, 2020 at the St. Benedict Catholic Church in Decorah with Rev. Donald Hertges presiding. Burial will be in St. Benedict Cemetery.
Visitation was from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service on Wednesday at the Church. The Schluter-Balik Funeral Home is handling arrangements.
Jerome Joseph Einck was born on June 6, 1919, to Bernard (Ben) and Julia (Doerr) Einck, the youngest of five children. Jerome lived with his family on a farm near Castalia, IA where he attended country school near his home and later went to DeSales High School in Ossian, IA. Jerome’s mother passed away when Jerome was only 14. After school he farmed with his father until he was drafted into the army in May, 1943, serving his country during World War II. He served in the U.S. Army assigned to the 967th Quartermaster Service Company which was attached to the 6th Engineer Brigade, a special unit formed to land early at Omaha Beach in Normandy, France on June 6, 1944 (D-Day). This was also Jerome’s 25th birthday.
Jerome returned home from the war on February 4, 1946. He married the love of his life, Norma Koch, just weeks later on February 28, 1946. Jerome often said that the love of Norma, and knowing that she was waiting for him, is what got him thru the tragic days of war. Jerome and Norma spent the next several years farming and raising a family together, eventually purchasing a farm west of Decorah. He lovingly raised his four daughters with a gentle hand and a tender heart along with strong discipline. They continued to work hard and make memories until 1998 when they retired to the home they purchased in Decorah.
After retirement he spent much of his time keeping up his house and yard and working in their garden. It was not unusual, even after reaching the age of 90, to find him on the roof of his house cleaning the eaves or doing any necessary repairs. There was nothing he couldn’t fix himself. He could also be found working on numerous small wood projects to give to his family as gifts. Many evenings you would find Norma and Jerome playing a game of cards at their kitchen table. Jerome was a hardworking, honest, humble, soft hearted man. His life was dedicated to his family. He will be greatly missed.
Jerome is survived by his wife Norma (Koch) Einck and his four daughters: Sandra (Vern) Thuente, Decorah, IA; Annette (Karl) Bohr-Wiltgen, Ossian, IA; Dianne (Dick) Trytten, Decorah, IA; and Linda (Bill) Ludwig, Spillville, IA. His grandchildren: Wade Thuente, Tim (Kris) Thuente, Kendra (Shawn) Kleve, Rob Bohr, Ryan (Sadie) Trytten, and Emily (Todd) Kellenberger and granddaughter-in-law: Julie Shockey Trytten, as well as sixteen great grandchildren and one great-great grandchild. He is also survived by sisters-in-law: Judy (Koch) Styve, Alexandria, MN and Delores Koch, Urbandale, IA as well as many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents: Bernard (Ben) and Julia (Doerr) Einck. Father-in-law and mother-in-law: Walter and Mabel (Monson) Koch. He was also preceded in death by his grandsons: Adam J Bohr and Rik Trytten. Son-in-law: Kenneth Bohr. Sisters: Amanda (Henry) Schultz and Irene (Jack) Schissel; Brothers: Art (Mildred) Einck and Frederik (Irene) Einck.