Jerry Goff

Jerry Franklin Goff, known to family as Jerry or by the affectionate nickname “Bear Bear,” was born on November 18, 1977, in Des Moines, Iowa. He made his home in Des Moines for most of his life and was proud of the work he did as a concrete worker with Gruss, contributing skilled labor to projects around the area.

Jerry was a family-centered man. He is remembered as the beloved husband of Deann Goff and a caring father to his children: sons Jerry, Geoff, and John, and daughter Juliana. He is also survived by his siblings — brothers Matt and Eddie Goff and sister Michelle Segovia Goff — along with nieces and nephews who carried forward his memory. He was preceded in death by his parents, Mary and Jerry Goff, and by close family members who remain in the hearts of those who loved him.

Those who knew Jerry recall a steady presence: a hardworking man who took pride in providing for his family and who kept close ties to people who mattered most. He attended East High School in Des Moines and built a life rooted in the everyday commitments of work, home, and family. Though he was not one to seek attention, his role as husband, father, brother, and uncle made him a central and valued figure in his circle.

Jerry’s life — measured in family dinners, days on the job, and the small routines that bind households together — left an imprint on those who loved him. His passing on June 3, 2018, at the age of 40 was felt deeply by his family and friends. This remembrance honors Jerry’s contribution to his family and community and offers a quiet tribute to a life defined by devotion to those closest to him.