Jerry R. Iverson Obituary
Jerry R. Iverson was born October 26, 1936 to Edward A. & Pearl Iverson. Jerry was the middle child of three boys. Edward & John Iverson being his siblings. Jerry attended Taft High School in Chicago, then after graduation attended Florida State University with a partial scholarship for swimming. He decided that he could not devote adequate time as a college student and athlete, thus soon after enrollment decided to resign from his swimming commitment. Swimming turned out to be a lifelong love of his. He transferred to Michigan State University, for one year before returning to Florida State for the last two years.
Jerry started working full time for Iverson & Company following graduation (Florida State University) in 1958, after carefully considering going to work for larger corporations Jerry decided to join his father in the family business selling (Iverson & Company) & rebuilding (Ternstrom & Company) machine tools. He took over the company in 1972 upon the passing of his father Edward Iverson, who had founded the company in 1931. Both Jerry and his father started many a manufacturing company through selling their machine tool offerings, and often financing entrepreneur’s first capital equipment acquisitions, when other financing companies would not. Jerry went to part time in 1985 after a bout with colon cancer. Jerry worked with both his brothers; Ed & John, to develop the Chicago Dial Indicator electronic indicator product line for CDI (founded by his father and partners). Son, Erik Iverson, now owns and heads the company as President, and continues to develop future generations of product.
Despite health challenges following Jerry since youth, he was blessed with 84 full years of life. Jerry recently celebrated 51 years of marriage to wife, Judy. Jerry & Judy were blessed with 2 children, Amy (Jim) Aralis, and Erik (Ela) Iverson. Also surviving children include, Terry (Kathy) Iverson & Kelly (Dave) Pollock. All totaled Jerry was blessed with 8 grandchildren: Britton (Mariel) Iverson, Lindsay (Jason) Weglarz, Cameron (Courtney) Iverson, Alexandria Aralis, Thomas Aralis, Greyson Aralis, Jillia Aralis & Ethan Iverson & 7 great grandchildren in a love filled blended family.
Jerry & Judy shared a love for family, so much that for the past 25 years (every 5 years), they have all gathered together on a family vacation. Both shared a love for the game of golf developing an expertise and competitive spirit like no other, sharing 12 hole in ones between the two of them. Jerry & Judy spent winter months in the Stuart, Florida community where they shared a second home.
Jerry was very proud of all of his children, but also of the dozens of dedicated employees at Iverson & Ternstrom who have always put customers first, put their best efforts forward and made all of their decisions with fairness in mind. Many of his employees dedicated their entire careers to Iverson/Ternstrom and retired after over 40+ years of service.
Jerry passed on Sunday August 22, 2021 in Park Ridge, IL with family members at his side. Iverson & Company has initiated the Jerry R. Iverson Manufacturing Memorial Scholarship through his son Terry’s 501C3 ChampionNow. Anyone wanting to contribute to the scholarship can participate through the CHAMPION Now website.
