Jerry A. Barrickman

May 26, 1963 - September 6, 2017

Jerry Allen Barrickman,54, of Oskaloosa, went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, September 6, 2017, while being cared for at the Mercy Medical Center in Des Moines. He was born May 26, 1963, in Oskaloosa, Iowa, the son of Bob and Margie Gorden Barrickman. At an early age, Jerry placed his trust in his Savior Jesus Christ and began his life-long service to God. Because Jerry loved God, as commanded in John 13:34, Jerry also loved people. He truly enjoyed his days at Earl May working with the public and his outgoing and cheerful smile made him a natural in retail. He worked at Earl May officially for 33 years, but his first Earl May uniform was a toddler size as his father managed the store for 28 years before Jerry. He literally “grew up in the business.” After he left Earl May and went to work at Mahaska County Secondary Roads Dept., he often said he enjoyed his new work, but certainly missed the people. Jerry, like his father, loved old tractors, old gas engines, and old cars. He made projects out of restoring forgotten items and would often explain to Robyn how his latest purchase of some dilapidated piece of machinery was actually an investment, because when he was finished it would be worth a great deal more. To which she would remind him that there would only be a return on that investment if he sold it when it was done. Jerry was a collector of many things. If anyone needed a piece of equipment or a tool, Jerry usually had it and would provide the helping hands to go with it. Jerry’s greatest joy in life was being a father. He often said the day Holly was born was the best day of his life. He was so excited that he bought a pink tricycle and brought it to the hospital. Jerry’s passing will leave a great void in the lives of his wife, Robyn. His daughter, Holly (Brian Sorbet), his sisters Karen (Ed) Parker; Patty (Dan) Vermillion. Brother, Dr. Les Barrickman. Mother-in-law, Ann Johannes. Brother-in-law and sister-in-law Bryon and Trisha Johannes. And his beloved nieces and nephews, Bailey, Courtney, Riley and Kinley Johannes, Ben and Rachel Parker, Heidi and Jacob Gwinn (Jackson and Leah), Julia Vermillion, Christopher Barrickman, Kelly McCullough (Katlyn, James, Rebekah). While we are grieving here on earth, Jerry is having a joyous reunion in heaven with his parents, Bob and Margie Barrickman, his brother Bobby Barrickman, and his father-in-law Mike Johannes, and many other loved ones who we are assured are angels in heaven by their faith in Jesus Christ. Jerry loved taking care of people. He took excellent care of his parents in their twilight years and helped out many folks in the community. He was active in many community service projects, one of his dearest being Trees Forever. Over many years, Jerry helped to plant thousands of trees throughout the city of Oskaloosa. It will be a great comfort to Robyn to see the mark Jerry has left on his hometown, as nearly every street she drives on has a tree that is thriving due to Jerry’s efforts. One of Jerry’s favorite expressions was “The best time to plant a tree was 25 years ago, the next best time is today.” Jerry would be very pleased if you would plant a tree in his honor or adopt an already planted tree and watch over its care. That will be a fitting legacy for a man that was strong as an oak. A memorial service will be held Monday, September 11, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. in the Bethel Baptist Church in Oskaloosa with Reverend Steven Cox officiating. As was Jerry’s wish his body has been cremated and burial of the urn will be at a later date. The Bates Funeral Chapel is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Sunday after 1:30 p.m. in the Bethel Baptist Church in Oskaloosa and the family will be at the church from 2-5 Sunday afternoon to greet friends and relatives. Memorials may be made to Bethel Baptist Church Youth Group.