Jerry L. Jares

Jerry L. Jares, age 60 of Council Bluffs passed away October 19, 2013 at his home. He was born in St. Paul, Nebraska on September 10, 1953 to the late Louis F. & Bertha M. (Berger) Jares. After graduating high school in 1971, Jerry attended the University of Nebraska at Lincoln. He graduated there in 1975 with a B.S. in Business Administration and then attended the Colorado School of Banking. Jerrys passion for banking was decidedly customer-focused. He loved helping his customers achieve their personal and business dreams. Jerrys banking career began at the bank in his home town, the St. Paul National Bank. From there he went to Geneva, Nebraska to the Fillmore County Bank. In 1984, he moved to Council Bluffs and began a career that lasted 25 years and 1 day at US Bank (formerly First National Bank of Council Bluffs). There, Jerry served as Market President from 1996 until his retirement in 2009. In 2009, Jerry joined a group of friends to open the newly formed Access Bank as a commercial loan officer, returning once again to direct customer service. Jerry was passionate about his community and loved to be involved. He was on the original executive committee for the Wabash Trace, the investment committee at Childrens Square, the Council Bluffs Industrial Foundation. Jerry served as a member of the board at the Boys and Girls Club and was involved with the Council Bluffs Public Library. He and his wife, Karen served as chair couple for the Mercy Heritage Awards in 2001. Together Jerry and Karen chaired the Saint Albert Benefit Auction in 2002. In 2007, they were presented the Freddie Falcon Award in appreciation of their volunteerism to Saint Albert Catholic Schools and its students. Jerry had many hobbies. An avid reader, Jerry was a longtime member of the Bookfellows reading club. He also enjoyed swimming, regularly participating in the YMCAs 100 Mile Club. Jerry cherished fellowship and helped found the Main Street Café breakfast club which meets on Friday mornings. Yet, more than all of these hobbies, Jerry valued and cultivated his faith. He was a longtime member of First Congregational ChurchUCC. Jerry is survived by his wife, Karen Jares. They were married October 16, 1982 at St. Johns on the campus at Creighton. He is also survived by his daughter Katie Hail-Jares and her husband Chris Hail; his daughter Abby Jares and her boyfriend Turner Morgan; and dear family friend Catie OMalley. He also leaves behind a golden retriever named Mao. Visitation will begin at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday with a Celebration of his Life at 6:00 p.m.. A meal will follow the service. Memorials are suggested to Saint Albert Catholic Schools, The Boys and Girls Club, or the donors choice. In the spirit of giving, Jerrys last gift was the donation of his body to the Nebraska Medical Center so that others might learn.