Jerry W. Hobson

Jerry W. Hobson, 89, of Richland, MI died July 16, 2026. Jerry was born to William Thomas and Emma Jane Hobson in Des Moines, Iowa. He attended Cedar Falls High School and graduated from Iowa State College with a Bachelor of Science. Jerry played clarinet in the Iowa State marching band and was a member of the Iowa State Players. He participated in multiple service and leadership roles while at Iowa State University. Jerry married Judith Watson in July 1961 and they were happily married for 65 years.

Jerry’s career started at Procter and Gamble in sales, then expanded into corporate marketing at Johnson & Johnson, becoming a marketing director. After an early corporate retirement, Jerry continued to practice both his sales and marketing skills. First, he and Judy owned and operated a children’s clothing store in Falmouth, MA where he was active in the chamber of commerce. Then he became a residential real estate sales agent earning the million dollar club award in Grand Rapids.

He was proud of being an Eagle Scout. He was fond of photography and spending time outdoors. He was very good with numbers and finance, and enjoyed researching stocks and investment options. Above all else, Jerry loved to spend time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Judith; their children, Michael (Cynthia) Peoples-Hobson, Bradley (Karen) Hobson and Heidi (Neil) Wakley; grandchildren, Jeremy, Vaughn, Asa, Althea, Jessica, Ryan, and Sean. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and his aunt.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Saturday, September 19, 2026 at the Richland Community Center. Arrangements by the Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, Richland Chapel. Personal messages for the family may be placed at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.