TAMA – Jerry Youngbear Sr., age 69, of the Meskwaki Settlement, rural Tama died on Tuesday, February 20, 2007, at Marshalltown Medical and Surgical Center due to a sudden illness. Traditional Graveside Services will be held on Thursday, February 22, 2007, at 2:00 PM at the Meskwaki Cemetery with Homer Bear Jr. as speaker. Pallbearers will be; Keith Davenport, Apollo Davenport, Roy Kapayou, Michael Keahna, Harvey Davenport, Leo Morgan, Wayne Eagle, Jon Whitebreast, and Waylon Whitebreast. A traditional wake will be held Wednesday evening at the Eagle Clan Ceremonial Building on the Meskwaki Settlement, rural Tama. Kruse-Phillips Funeral Home, Tama-Toledo is handling the arrangements.
Jerry was born on September 18, 1937, in Toledo Township in Tama County, the son of Kenneth and Rose (Hershell) Youngbear Sr. He studied mechanics at Haskell Indian College and served his country in the U.S. Navy. Jerry retired from John Deere after 35 years of service as a welder. He was a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles. For many years Jerry was the electrician for the pow-wow. He also loved going to pow-wows and singing with his best friend Fudd. His other favorite pastime was fixing cars.