Jeremiah Hargrove

Jeremiah Hargrove, age 70, of New Hampton, IA, died Wednesday, March 15, 2023, at Linn Haven Rehab & Healthcare.

Hugeback Johnson Funeral Home and Crematory in New Hampton has been entrusted with arrangements. Online condolences for the Hargrove family may be left at www.hugebackfuneralhome.com, 641-394-4334.

Jerry was born on May 27, 1952 in Northfork, Virginia to Russell Richard and Eleanor Hargrove. The family relocated to California, where Jerry attended school, graduating in 1971 from Torrance High School. He proudly enlisted in the military, serving in the Army before being honorably discharged. Jerry returned to California, working for the city of Los Angeles before he made his way to the midwest in 2001, settling in Charles City, IA, which he called home.

After moving to the Charles City community, Jerry worked for various local establishments but found the most pride in hands-on work involving renovations, maintenance and repair projects. Jerry spent many years working with Growth Properties LLC, assisting with renovating rental properties, landscaping, handiwork and painting. He was truly a jack of all trades. With each project he’d help with, Jerry refused to see things as broken or beyond repair. Through his work, he revealed that with a little extra time, effort and determination, things that were often overlooked still held great value. When Jerry was not helping with rental projects alongside Deb McNeilus he would often be found volunteering his time with the many retailers and tenants on the 200th block of Main Street in Charles City, especially the Darbe & Co Boutique. He had great rapport with everyone in the buildings and offices near his apartment. He was always willing to offer a helping hand.

Jerry found satisfaction in living a humble, simple life. He was unapologetically himself, a sensible, frugal man, a master at negotiating, who emphasized the importance of not being wasteful. Although he lived a quiet, modest life, Jerry told the best stories and truly cherished the relationships he built with those he came to know and love. The most treasured things that sustained his life and gave him purpose were carried with him everywhere and could be found in his wallet hard-earned money, a reminder that you get out of life what you are willing to put into it; and photos of those most important to him, symbolizing that of all the possessions one could have in life, true friendship is the most precious. Jerry had the best personality and the most gentle soul. His closest friends remember how he made them laugh with his little jokes and light-hearted teasing; how he’d sing and knew every word to his favorite music, blasting 70’s and 80’s rock so loud at times it would rattle the walls of his apartment. He was known to step away from work to handle “top-priority business matters”, only to be found throwing a football in the parking lot with Michael Jones, who would become “more than a son” in his life as the years went on. The sun set on Jerry’s life sooner than anticipated, but we can find comfort and encouragement in new ways each day by the way he lived.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Russell Richard and Eleanor Hargrove; brothers, Tony Hargrove and Bill Hargrove; and sister, Ethel Dorman. He is survived by brothers, Russell “Junior” Hargrove (Texas), Larry Hargrove (Texas) and Marty Hargrove (California), and their families. He will be deeply missed, but fondly remembered by his chosen family and dearest friends of 23 years, Deb McNeilus (Clear Lake, IA) and Michael Jones (Waukee, IA).

A memorial to celebrate the life of Jerry and the joy he brought to so many will be planned and scheduled at a later date. In lieu of flowers, take time to reach out to those most important to you to let them know you love them and appreciate the role they have in your life. Jerry led his life with graciousness and benevolence. We can honor him best by living each day with the same compassion and generosity he did, leaving the world a little better than we found it.