White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

WINTHROP –Jerry Dean Holt, 71 years old, of Winthrop, Iowa, died suddenly at home, Thursday, February 19, 2026.

Visitation will be 4:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 24, 2026, at the White Funeral Home, Independence, Iowa.

Jerry was born March 11, 1954, in Manchester, Iowa, the son of John “Jack” Louis Holt and Jeanne Elizabeth (Cooney) Holt. He attended school in Winthrop and graduated with the East Buchanan High School class of 1972, and then continued his education at Hawkeye Tech in Waterloo, Iowa, where he earned an associate degree in Mechanical Engineering. On August 18, 1973, he was united in marriage to Debra Gay Chesmore at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Winthrop. The couple made their home in Jesup, Iowa, for many years where they raised their family, before moving to Independence and finally to Winthrop.

Jerry worked at John Deere for 30 years, retiring at age 49. He loved his ever-growing family and always looked forward to grilling for the annual summer barbecue. Jerry enjoyed watching his grandsons play football and his granddaughters at concerts. He also loved the game of golf, especially when playing with his children, grandchildren, and in his John Deere golf league. Jerry golfed at any opportunity he had and even had a hole in one while playing in Amana, Iowa. Jerry was a member of the Jesup Golf and Country Club in Jesup, Three Elms Golf Course in Independence, and the Buffalo Creek Golf Course in Winthrop.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 52 years, Debra Holt of Winthrop; his children, Jarod Holt of Independence, Andrea (Brandon) Koschmeder of Denver, Iowa, and Kyle Holt of Independence; six grandchildren, Nicholas (Alyssa) Holt, Ethan (Ashley Guyer) Holt, Brayden Holt, Jaxon Holt, Ava Diesburg, Ashlyn Diesburg; three great grandchildren, Autumn Holt, Hudson and Hazel Holt; six brothers, John Holt of Maple Grove, Minnesota, Joe Holt of Moravia, Iowa, Jay (Angie) Holt of Independence, Jim Holt of Arizona, Jeff Holt of Arizona, Jesse (Stephanie) Holt of Kansas City, Missouri; one sister, Joan (Mike) Walker of Independence; his Aunt and Uncle, Sandy and Michael Cooney of West Des Moines, Iowa; two sisters-in-law, Beckie Petersen, LaVelle (Marvin) Hillman all of Winthrop; one brother-in-law, Chip (Carol) Chesmore of Coralville, Iowa; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents.

Memorials may be directed to the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association.

Condolences may be placed at www.White-MtHope.com.
White Funeral Home, Independence, Iowa, is in charge of arrangements.