Visitation will take place Friday, June 20, 2025, from 9-12:00 p.m. at Hamilton's Funeral Home in Altoona, Iowa. Burial will be in the Rose Hill Memorial Gardens Cemetery in Marshalltown, Iowa.

He was born August 19, 1939, to Antonin Navara Jr. and Nellie Arlene (Switzer) in Marshalltown, Iowa. He graduated from Marshalltown High School, attended Iowa State Teacher’s College (University of Northern Iowa) obtaining a Master of Arts degree.

In 1959 he married Arlene Tychsen. In 1960, their daughter, Jackie, was born. In 1964, their son, Timothy, was born.

Jerry spent his working educational career at Southeast Polk Community School District as a teacher, coach and administrator.

Jerry enjoyed tennis, golf, fishing, gardening, traveling and watching grandchildren play sports.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Arlene; brother and sister-in-law, Ronald and Carol Navara and brother-in-law, James Svendsen. Also, Arlene’s parents, her brother, Ted and wife Betty and their son, David; her sister, Phyllis and her husband Ken.

Jerry is survived by his daughter, Jackie (Paul) Loos and son, Timothy (Jennifer) Navara; grandchildren: Ashley (Nate) Bagby, Quinn Navara and Keelea Navara; step great-grandchildren: Drea, Taylor and Braxton Bagby; siblings: Shirley Svendsen, James (Jean) Navara, David (Lynda) Navara, Michael (Bonnie) Navara; in-laws: Gene (Nancy) Tychsen and many nephews and nieces and their children.