Jerry Roberts Obituary

Jerry Boyd Roberts, 78, of Keokuk, passed away Monday, Sept. 22, 2025 at his home.

He was born July 5, 1947 in Keokuk, the son of Boyd C. and Blanche Marjorie Locke Roberts.

Jerry was a veteran of the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam War.

On Feb. 17, 1968 Jerry was united in marriage to Bonita Shark in Carthage, Ill. She survives.

Other survivors include one daughter, Rhonda Carel of Kansas City, Mo., two sons, Jerry Roberts, II (Terri) of Hannibal, Mo. and Jamie Roberts (Beverly) of Keokuk; nine grandchildren, Jadelyn, Taelor, Tawny, Patrick (Nicole), Sierra, Johnny, Harley, James and Anthony and nine great-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Jean Kratzer of Fort Madison, and Bonnie Meyers of Keokuk, several nieces and nephews, our special caregivers, Dan Harlow, Valencia "Bennett" Caldwell and Stacey Jones. We don't know what we would have done without them.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Larry Roberts, one niece, Kelli Shark and a brother-in-law, Ron Shark.

Jerry was hardworking and dedicated throughout his life. He was employed at Dryden Rubber and later at Fruehauf before becoming the owner and operator of Robert's Home Improvement, which he ran for 30 years until retiring in 2014.

He was an active member of the VFW Post #3508 and served as commander for several years. Jerry had a zest for life and enjoyed many hobbies. He loved riding motorcycles and took numerous trips over the years. He also treasured time spent in his garage or at the "16th Street Tap", tinkering, visiting with his boys, and sharing stories with the gang.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to Jerry's caregivers as well as to Lee County Hospice for the exceptional care, kindness, and compassion they gave to Jerry and Bonita. We don't know what we would have done without them.

A memorial service will be held 11 a.m., Thursday, Sept. 25, at the Vigen Memorial Home in Keokuk. Burial with military rites will be held in the Keokuk National Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 5–7 p.m. Wednesday at the funeral home with the family meeting with friends at that time.

Memorials may be made to National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV).

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.vigenmemorialhome.com