Jerome F. Croghan

Jerome Francis Croghan, son of William and Helen (Keane) Croghan was born June 30, 1924 on a farm east of Woodbine and west of Panama, Iowa. He attended grade school near his home and high school at Modale, where he graduated in 1942. He was drafted into the United States Army in March of 1946 and honorably discharged in June of 1947. His service time was spent in the medical corps at Percy Jones, Battlecreek, MI and Madigan General Hospital, Tacoma, WA. On February 14, 1950 Jerome was united in marriage with Catherine Schmitz at St. Mary's Church in Panama. They were the parents of 13 children and operated a dairy farm southwest of Manning. Later Jerome worked at Struve Labs in Manning and Dunlap Livestock Auction in Dunlap. He made hundreds of afghans and quilts - giving them away, and many enjoyed by his children and grandchildren. He loved visiting with relatives and friends and had an amazing memory for family connections and history. He enjoyed family most of all, saying that his greatest gift was passing his faith on to his children. Jerome was a faithful member of Sacred Heart Parish in Manning. In 1991 shortly after retiring from the farm they moved to their new home south of Manning. Jerome enjoyed good health the majority of his active life and was able to remain at home after the death of his wife in 2002 until he was 91 years old. He entered Hospice at the Manning Plaza Nursing Home, just a few days before his death there on Friday, July 10, 2015, at the age of 91 years and 10 days. He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife Catherine Croghan; son Mark Croghan; and siblings Helen (Dave) Griffith, Bernadette (Edmond Kirlin/Paul Wise), James Croghan, Joseph Croghan, Peter (Adelaide) Croghan and Elizabeth Kohles. Survivors include Jerome's 12 children: Julia (Mike) Fitzgerald of Winfield, IL; Mary (David) Ensch of Madison, WI; Ruth (John) Callahan of Cedar Rapids; Peter (Lois) Croghan of Manning; daughter in law Carol Croghan of Sioux City; Joan (Rod) Young of Mt. Vernon; Dennis (Lynette) Croghan of Manilla; Owen (LuAnn) Croghan of Alton; Luke (Linda) Croghan of Manilla; William (Diana) Croghan of Centerpoint; Paul (Brenda) Croghan of Malvern; Alice (Phil) Kramer of Urbana, IA; and Catherine (Mark) Lechtenberg of Centerville; 52 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; brother Tom (Jean) Croghan of Omaha, NE; sisters in law Kathy Croghan of Virginia and Marge Croghan of Manning; brother in law Jim Kohles of Harlan; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Rev. John Gerald, Celebrant Rev. Robert Gralapp, Concelebrant Eucharistic Minister Lois Croghan Gift Bearers Alice Kramer Catherine Lechtenberg Lectors Julia Fitzgerald Ruth Callahan Joan Young Mass Servers Kianna and Cade Lechtenberg Music "Here I Am Lord" "Prayer of St. Francis" "Whatsoever You Do" "On Eagles Wings" Sacred Heart Choir Anne Muhlbauer, Organist Casket Bearers Peter Croghan Dennis Croghan Owen Croghan Luke Croghan William Croghan Paul Croghan Honorary Casket Bearers Tom Croghan Jim Kohles Interment Sacred Heart Cemetery, Manning, Iowa