Ottumwa, Iowa - Jerry L Krafka, 83, of Ottumwa died October 23, 2025, at 12:10 pm at Kavanagh House in Des Moines surrounded by his loving family.

Jerry was born February 10, 1942 in Ottumwa to Matthew and Pauline Keever Krafka. He was united in marriage with his high school sweetheart, Mary Baird on October 14, 1962. Mary died March 20, 2022. They were married 59 years.

Jerry graduated from Ottumwa High School in 1960. He attended Lain Technical Institute in Indianapolis, Indiana and earned an Associate of Science degree in Industrial Technology in 1962. Following his graduation from Lain, he began his professional career at John Deere Ottumwa Works, starting as a board Draftsman and retiring as a Senior Designer. Jerry's career at JDOW spanned over thirty-seven years, and his many contributions led to recognition as a contributing inventor on several patent awards. He was involved in design development for many product lines, including the self-propelled forage harvester. Jerry was a member of the engineering team that launched the product development of Deere's entry into the golf and turf industry. He made many lifelong friends during his tenure at John Deere and enjoyed the camaraderie of the monthly retirees' breakfast club.

Jerry was a member of First Lutheran Church. He taught Sunday School early on and served as a member of the Building and Grounds Committee for a number of years.

Jerry was a devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend. He showed his love through his work, special projects, and the interest he took in his loved one's lives. He will be greatly missed by those he leaves behind.

Jerry is survived by his children: Lisa (Scott) Piper of Berlin, WI, Greg Krafka of Bettendorf, Jeff (Diane) Krafka of Marion, and Amy (John) Pittman of Urbandale; six grandchildren: Paulina (Logan) Pentz and Sam Piper, Brynn and Macy Krafka, Gabrielle Krafka, and Nick (Courtney) Pittman. He is also survived by a daughter-in-law Heidi Krafka, his brother-in-law Rodney (Kathy) Johnson, niece Kristin (Rich) Eckhardt, and nephew Baird (Terri) Johnson.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary, his parents and his sister-in-law Betty Johnson.

Visitation will open after 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 28th at Reece Funeral Home with family present to greet friends from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Funeral services will be 10 a.m. Wednesday, October 29th at First Lutheran Church with his son-in-law Rev. Scott Piper officiating. Burial will be in Ottumwa Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church or Indian Hills Community College Foundation.