Jerry Slykhuis and his wife, Jane leave us

December 21, 2016 - On Tuesday night, we lost our beloved club member Jerry Slykhuis (73) and his wife, Jane (70).  They were killed when the SUV they were driving was hit outside of Liberal, Kansas by a truck that didn't stop at the designated stop sign.

Jerry was one of our original Rough Risers who began our club in 1981. He has always been an active member who has been one of the first to swing a hammer, bag some popcorn, cook some breakfast or support another member who needed some assistance.  Recently, Jerry had joined forces with Dean Dreyer to lead our group's drive for finding sponsorship from local businesses to provide financial support for community organizations. Jerry was awarded the George F. Hixson Fellowship award this year in recognition of the selfless leadership and contributions he has provided our club.

Jerry was known as one of the "Winningest coaches around." After 32 years of coaching varsity basketball at Cedar Falls High School, he developed a 531-305 winning record which placed him among the top 20 winningest boy's coaches in state history. He was inducted into the Iowa High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame in 2009 and was named the Midwest coach of the year in 2009.

Jane worked at the University of Northern Iowa for 20 years, first as an RN in the Student Health Center and then as the Coordinator of Student Disability Services. She worked diligently to develop and to expand services for students with disabilities. She was known for her knowledge and expertise as well as her concern and passion for improving the services that were available to them.  She retired in 2007.

Services are set for 10:30 AM on Thursday, December 29 at the Nazareth Lutheran Church.  A reception will follow the services at the church.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday evening from 4:00 - 7:00 PM at the Nazareth Lutheran Church.

Memorials (financial donations) are preferred in lieu of flowers:

1-  CF Community Schools Foundation / in Jerry Slykhuis' name
                   Or
2- UNI Foundation / in Jane Slykhuis' name

Jerry and Jane will be missed but the world is a better place because of their lives here.

What do you remember about Jerry and Jane?  What should others know?  Leave your ideas below in the comments section.

Here is a link to dozens of Tweets that have been posted about Coach Slykhuis and Jane Slykhuis.  (You don't need to know how to use Twitter to read these, just click below.)

Slykhuis Tweets

Jerry Slykhuis Facebook Page
Lots of tribute photos and postings