Kerry L. Burt

Kerry L. Burt

Waterloo

Kerry L. Burt, 59, of Waterloo, died unexpectedly at his home on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

Kerry was born on December 17, 1964, in Waterloo, to Joel and Darlene (Kauffman) Burt. He graduated from West High School in 1983, where in his senior year for the Wahawks he earned elite all-state honors, the Rotary Club’s Glen “Doc” Miller Most Valuable Player for Waterloo schools, and the Gatorade Male Athlete of the Year award. Other notable high school honors in football included—All Big Five, All Big Eight, Big Eight Offensive Player of the Year, first team all-state by the IDPA poll, first team all-state and elite offense by the Des Moines Register. In basketball, Kerry was co-captain, was second team all big five, and second team All-Big Eight.

Kerry went on to commit to the University of Iowa’s football program. As a four-year letterman (1984-87) and honorable mention all-American, he earned first-team all-Big Ten honors in 1987. From 1983 until 1988, Kerry helped lead Iowa and played in the Gator Bowl (1983) Freedom Bowl (1984), Rose Bowl (1986), consecutive Holiday Bowls (1986-1987), and Hula Bowl (1988). He served as one of the Hawkeye captains during the 1987 season, earned his bachelor’s degree in communication and went on to earn his master’s degree in education, both from the University of Iowa. In 1988, Kerry signed as a free agent to the Houston Oilers in the NFL and went on to play for the Maryland Commandos in their inaugural season in the Arena Football League in 1989 and played in the Canadian Football League for the Hamilton Tiger Cats. In 2006, Kerry was selected as honorary team captain for the Iowa vs. Northwestern game.

Following his football career, Kerry co-owned a bar in Iowa City—New Sensations. He went on to open Kerry Burt Financial serving as a personal financial analyst. Occasionally, Kerry would fill-in as a TV announcer for Gateway Conference football games. As a proud big brother, he was a sound engineer and roadie for the Blues Instigators.

In 1997, Kerry joined Waterloo Fire and Rescue, and over the years was an emergency medical technician, hazardous material technician, car seat safety technician, and firefighter. In 2011, he was part of a team that received the Governor’s Firefighter of the Year Award for assisting in the rescue of two young girls. Kerry previously served as an Iowa State Representative from 2009 until 2011. He cofounded and was very passionate about The Black Alliance, an organization that targets and addresses issues for young black men in the Cedar Valley Community. Kerry served as a Cub Scout Master for Pack #56, volunteered for the Boys and Girls Club, and previously served as an assistant football coach at West High School.

Kerry was a family man who loved his family deeply, was their biggest cheerleader, and the one to be a steadying force remaining calm during any situation. He and his life partner, Kim Griffith, raised their 6 children in Waterloo. Kerry traversed the country and Iowa with his kids for tournaments and competitions in figure skating, dance, wrestling, theatre, music, football, softball, basketball, soccer, and baseball. He was proud to visit all the numerous performing arts colleges and programs and auditions with Sydney. Above all, his children were his everything.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother, Shawn Burt, and niece, Dawn Burt II.

Kerry is survived by his life partner, Kim Griffith; children, Idris Christian (Amanda) Burt, Sydney, Peyton “Phinn”, triplets, Aiden, Nico, and Chase Burt, all of Waterloo; siblings, Kevin (Nicole) Burt of Iowa City, and Dawn Burt of Waterloo; many nieces, nephews, and cousins; and his Waterloo Fire & Rescue family.

Visitation: Family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 18, 2024, at Locke at Tower Park, 4140 Kimball Ave.

Funeral Service and Waterloo Fire Honors: 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at Cedar Valley Church, 3520 Ansborough Ave Waterloo, IA 50701. An additional visitation will take place prior from 10:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be directed to The Burt Family.

Locke at Tower Park is serving the family. Please visit lockefuneralservices.com to offer your condolences.