Jerald Edward Starks

Jerald Edward Starks, 54, of Keosauqua, IA and formerly of Minnesota, passed away on Monday, February 26, 2024, at his home after a brief battle with Leukemia.  As were Jerald’s wishes, cremation has taken place.  An informal open house to remember Jerald and share stories with family will take place at his home, 17248 Highway 1, Keosauqua, IA on Sunday, March 24, 2024, from 2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m.  His life will be celebrated in the Club Room at 10650 Beard Avenue South in Bloomington, MN on Saturday, April 27, 2024, with the doors opening at 1:00 p.m. and the service to begin at 2:00 p.m. with a meal to follow.  A private burial, with military honors, will be in the Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.  Memorial contributions in Jerald’s honor may be directed to Michelle to be used for family expenses or to go to American Cancer Society’s Hope Lodge of Iowa City.  Friends may leave online condolences at www.cranstonfamilyfuneralhome.com
How to capture Jerald in an obituary? He was larger than life and was loved more than he ever believed. His mother-in-law called his mind the "8th Wonder of the World", with an insatiable thirst for knowledge and understanding about philosophy and history, which shaped his views on politics and religion. He was actively searching for answers daily. He grew to become a man of high integrity and was unbending on his positions about facts and truth, yet highly valued individual freedom and would defend people to the end for their rights. He was a fiercely loyal and trustworthy friend. He loved to sip a good scotch, enjoyed eclectic music, and watched endless YouTube videos, ranging from awkward bloopers to religious discussions. He was deeply serious and hilariously goofy at the same time, with too many "Jeraldisms" to count.
Jerald was born in Minneapolis on August 15, 1969, the son of Dennis and Marie Starks.  He grew up in Bloomington, Minnesota alongside his brother, Andy and graduated from John F. Kennedy High School, where he was active in choir and his church's youth group. He immediately joined the Army and served in some capacity for approximately sixteen years. He spent most of his adult life in careers of service in the military, law enforcement and most recently with the United States Postal Service. He enjoyed his time as a Freemason, and most recently loved getting to know Van Buren County through participation in the Historical Society and conversations with members of the community. He grew up a city kid, and ended up a country man, loving his barn, John Deere, and 3 acres in Iowa far more than he expected.
Jerald met and married Angela Maze.  They spent seventeen years together before their path in life took them in different directions.  After being friends in high school and losing touch for decades, Jerald reconnected with Michelle (Buss) Johnson on Facebook. They were married on July 3, 2011. He considered Michelle and stepson Alex Johnson his "highest values". They enjoyed time with Alex, snuggling with dog Sugar, trips, concerts, outings with friends, long talks, playing the card game "Hand and Foot" while listening to Chicago and Yacht Rock, and watching and rewatching "Scrubs" and other binge-worthy shows... All was well, just as long as they were together. They resided in Paynesville, MN until moving to Iowa in 2022. Jerald worked hard- and succeeded- to make Michelle's dreams come true as well as to instill values and life lessons in Alex. Not only was he a devoted stepfather, but a proud uncle to Thomas, Finnigan, Samuel, Brady and Connor.
Jerald was preceded in death by father Dennis Starks and stepfather Howard Holm. He is survived by his mother Marie Holm, brother Andrew (Heather) Starks, wife Michelle Starks and stepson Alex Johnson.