Gerald Houser, son of Lyle Vernon and Marie Bessie (McCormick) Houser was born in Red Oak on November 29, 1928. He died on March 30, 2020 at the Griswold Care Center at the age of 91 years, 4 months and 1 day.

Gerald is the oldest of five boys.  They moved to Griswold and he started school in 1934.  He graduated from Griswold High School with the class of 1946. He worked at Harry Mueller's Grocery Store after graduation and then in March of 1951, he joined the US Army.  In November of 1951, Gerald was Honorably Discharged from the Army due to medical reasons. He then started working with his father at Houser's Locker. They butchered and processed beef, pork, chicken, turkeys, and during hunting season, deer. They also had their own smoke house and made ham, bacon and dried beef. He bought the business from his father Lyle in April of 1976, when his father retired. Gerald won a number of awards from the State Locker Association for his ham, dried beef and bacon.  On January 11, 1967, he and Joan Syvertsen/Robinson married at the Griswold United Methodist Church. Gerald acquired two daughters in this union, Jo Beth and Lu Ann. Gerald retired when he closed the locker in 1992.  After retiring from the locker business, he worked part time at Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold and several local meat lockers.

Gerald served on the Griswold Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years, and was a member of the Lion's Club. He was also a 60 year member to the American Legion Post 508 and a charter member of the NVRA.  Gerald and Joan resided in Griswold their entire married life and were active members of the Griswold United Methodist church.

Gerald enjoyed fishing, hunting, and going the college football games before he was married. He and Joan enjoyed bowling, golfing and traveling while they were able.  They traveled to Canada, Alaska, Mexico, to the northeast and on a cruise. They enjoyed working in their beautiful yard and spending time with their family and friends.

Gerald is preceded in death by his wife Joan of 53 years, his parents, his brothers: Ted, Marion and Forrest; his nephew Steven Houser; his sister's-in-law: Jean and Joyce Houser.

Gerald is survived by his daughters, Jo Beth Reynolds and husband Jim of Griswold, IA,  and Lu Ann Potter and husband Randy of Treynor, IA; his grandchildren:  Jason Reynolds and wife Jennifer of Griswold, IA, Jill Rable and husband Andrew of Tempe, AZ, Joshua Reynolds and wife Mandie of Carson, IA, Kristin Bonczynski and husband Doug of Olathe, KS, and Tricia Berry and husband Courtney of Johnston, IA; his great grandchildren: James, Jacob, Jenna, Joanna, Nathan, Lucas, Griffin, Jalen, Jett, Jackson, Brady, Austin, Taylyn, Macy, and Carsyn;  his youngest brother Howard of CA, sister's-in-law: Joann and Doris Houser and many nieces, nephews other relatives and friends.

An open visitation will be held at the Rieken Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold on Saturday, April 4, 2020, from 10:00 AM until 2:00 PM.  The family will not be present at any specific time.

Due to state and federal guidance on gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no more than 10 people will be allowed in the funeral home at one time.

Private interment will be held at Griswold Cemetery.  Rieken Duhn Funeral Home in Griswold is assisting the family with arrangements.