Jeffrey Crouch

Jeffrey James Crouch, one of five children of Larkin and Irene (Riah) Crouch, was born in Marshalltown, Iowa, on June 23, 1954.

He grew up on a farm outside the town of Gladbrook, Iowa and spent his days like most Iowa farm kids – a mix between work and play (hopefully more play than anything). He received his education at Gladbrook and Marshalltown, Iowa.

In 1978, Jeff relocated to the Spencer, Iowa area. He joined the National Guard and worked at Northwest Iowa Construction. When time allowed, he also did some trucking for Jeff Husby. In 1987, while employed with Style Craft Furniture in Milford, Iowa, Jeff’s son, JJ was born. The following year, he moved to his acreage near Everly, Iowa where he enjoyed the fresh air and country lifestyle.

1993 offered some health challenges, as Jeff said, “I put my shoes under the wrong bed and got a foot injury.” After years of surgeries, he was finally able to return to work, being first employed with Great Lakes Countertops and Kitchens in Lake Park, Iowa. He then revisited his trucking days and began hauling asphalt.

When he wasn’t working, Jeff had no trouble finding something he liked to do. One of his many interests included anything with a motor – from cars to motorcycles. He liked working on them as well as taking them out on the highway. Having spent that much time in the shop also made him an excellent welder. Guns and ammo were also at the top of the list. He just loved to shoot and was adept at reloading his own ammunition. Camping with co-workers, sitting around a roaring campfire while out in nature became one of his favorite get-aways. More quiet times found him immersed in a good, old Western movie or some strange Sci-fi flick. Yet, nothing could ever take the place of hanging out with his son, nieces, nephews and his dear grandkids. Over the years, Jeff had been involved with Prison Ministry and was a member of the Baptist church.

In June of 2024, Jeff began his fight with leukemia; one he wouldn’t win. As much as he wanted to be here for his family and friends, he passed from this life on December 19, 2025, at the age of 71 years.

Keeping his memory close in heart are his son, JJ Crouch and his wife, Oma, of Lake Park, Iowa; four grandchildren: Angelina Crouch (18), Micah Crouch (13), Zoey Crouch (8) and Zara Crouch (3); his sister, Cindy Crouch, of Spencer, Iowa; other relatives and many friends.

Preceding him in death were his grandparents, James and Clara Crouch; his parents, Larkin and Irene Crouch; siblings: Larry, Connie and Linda Crouch and granddaughter, Jazlyn Crouch.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 2, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. at the Hartley Funeral Home Chapel in Hartley, IA. There are no formal visitation hours scheduled for Jeff. The Hartley Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements for 71 year-old Jeff Crouch of rural Everly, IA.