Gerald G. Lair

Gerald G. Lair, 87, formerly of Mason City, passed away Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the Rehabilitation Center of Hampton. Per Gerald’s wishes, cremation has taken place and private graveside services will be held at a later date in Memorial Park Cemetery. Memorials may be directed to the family of Gerald Lair. 

Gerald Gray Lair was born on December 10, 1937, in Mason City, Iowa, to parents Forrest and Mildred (Bistline) Lair. Growing up, Gerald helped his dad work on their family farm outside of Plymouth, and Gerald graduated from Plymouth High School in 1957.

In 1960, Gerald was drafted in the United States Army. During his time serving, he was sent over to Korea during the Korean Conflict. Gerald was honorably discharged in 1962. In 1964, Gerald was united in marriage to Karen Meacham at Holy Family Church in Mason City. To this union, the couple were blessed with five children: Sherri, Mike, Shelly, Matt, and Carrie. 

Coming home, Gerald worked as a Laborer for Oliver Tractor, and later Armour Food Co. After work for many years, Gerald worked on Bob Harmon’s farm outside of Plymouth. Gerald retired in the late 2000s.

In his free time, Gerald could be found farming. He truly loved to help in any way he could. Growing up on a farm, he was a true “farm boy” at heart. In his later years, he loved doing crosswords and reading. He loved to keep up with the news and daily events, and he often kept his family and friends up to date on daily happenings.

To his family, Gerald was described as an intelligent, hardworking, honest, faithful, and a trustworthy man. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend and will be deeply missed by those who knew him and loved him.

Gerald is survived by his wife, Karen Lair; children, Sherri (Kent) Ruby, Mike Lair, Matt Lair, and Carrie Lair; grandchildren, Danielle (Josh) Lorentzen, Steven Lair, Taylor (Mike) Ernst, Liberty and McKenna Langenbau, Rylee Robinson, and Kason and Braelyn Lair; sisters, Sandy (Jim) Hyde and Dianne (Doug) Williams; son-in-law, Jay Langenbau; and special friend, Lisa Marie Read.

Gerald was preceded in death by his loving daughter, Shelly Lair-Langenbau in 2013; parents, Forrest and Mildred Lair; and sister, Sharon Lair.