Gerald “Jerry” Allen Boldt, age 74, of rural Davenport, passed away on Sept. 19, 2023, after injuries sustained in an accident. A visitation will be held from 2-5 p.m., Sunday, Oct. 1, at Bentley Funeral Home, Durant. A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m., Monday, Oct. 2, at the Starlite Ballroom in Davenport. Burial will take place in Walcott Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Scott County 4-H in Jerry’s name, an organization that Jerry cared deeply about. Online condolences may be left at www.bentleyfuneralhome.com.
Jerry was born on May 26, 1949, to Walter and Margaret (Woehrle) Boldt in Davenport. He graduated in 1967 from Davenport Central High School. In 1969, he graduated from Muscatine Community College. In 1968, he met Bonnie Peeters at Reife’s Restaurant. They were married on Feb. 13, 1971. Jerry and Bonnie went on to raise three children: Janelle, Jared and Jorden.
Jerry farmed his entire life, taking over the family farm upon graduating from high school after the passing of his father. He later bought the farm from his mother. In 1970, Jerry bought his first grain truck and began operating Gerald A. Boldt Trucking. The trucking business eventually expanded to include construction trucking. Jerry was a long-time board member of the Scott County Cattlemen’s Association. He enjoyed “opening for” the comedian at the Cattlemen’s Banquet each year. This created a passion for announcing and for the last three years was the announcer for the Pulling 4 You Tractor Pull. He loved attending tractor pulls past and present. He was a staple at the Mississippi Valley Fair. He loved the week spent catching up with friends. He was an avid supporter of the fair: grilling ribeyes, working the information booth, and participating in the tractor parade. Jerry was a generous supporter of the 4-H auction, buying more than 50 steers, other animals and ribbons over the years. He helped out wherever he could. He took a great deal of pride in caring for the land and livestock. He was incredibly proud to be a farmer. Most of all, he loved his family and spending time with his grandchildren.
Jerry is survived by Bonnie, his wife of 52 years. His children Janelle (Brandon) Boldt, Jared (Elizabeth) Boldt, and Jorden (Chelsey) Boldt all of Davenport; his grandchildren, Kylie Boldt, Kaylee Wulf, Charles Boldt, Everett Boldt, and Margaret Boldt; and a great-granddaughter Ava; his sister Janet Porstmann of Blue Grass; and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews especially Jake (Missy) Peeters and Tara Peeters.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Robert and Betty Boldt, Harold Boldt, and Donald Boldt; his mother and father-in-law, Everett and Annabelle Peeters; and three brothers-in-law, Terry Peeters, Steve Peeters, Richard Porstmann; and sister-in-law Nancy McCoy.
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