Gerald was born Aug. 26, 1936, to Carl and Lena (Landt) Raum in rural Tama County. He graduated from Gladbrook High School in 1954 and joined the United States Army where he served his country proudly. After serving, he returned to Gladbrook worked at Lenox and took over the family farm. Gerald was united in marriage to Joan Gethmann on May 30, 1998. During his life he served on the Gladbrook School Board, Gladbrook Jaycees as President, United Church of Christ church board and United Methodist Church Trustee Board.
Gerald will be missed by his wife, Joan; three step-daughters: Sabre (Randy) Riffle,Tama, Shelley (Keith) Smith, Gladbrook, and Stephanie (Ander Larson) Gethmann, Seattle, Wash.; five step-grandchildren: Tiffany Riffle, Chelsie Riffle, Keisha (Ryan Lockhart) Smith, Tia Smith, and Nick Larson; brother, Leonard (Marjorie) Raum; sister, Geneva Ives; sister-in-law, Sandy Raum; in-laws, Bob and Muriel Slinker; brother-in-law, Jack (Kathy) Slinker; sister-in-law, Jenifer Murty; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, one sister, Donna Raum; and one brother, Larry Raum. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution may be made to Cedar Valley Hospice (Grundy Center), Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation or Gladbrook United Methodist Church and can be sent to the family at: 103 W. 5th Street, Gladbrook, IA 50635
Article Photos
Gerald Lee Raum