Gerald was born on September 11, 1912 in Page County, Iowa, the son of Mark E. and Mabel (Hullman) Scotton. Gerald entered into eternal peace on Sunday, June 28, 2009 in Columbus Junction, Iowa.

Gerald graduated from LaPraire Rural School, Northboro High School and Clarinda Junior College. He later married Jean McQueen in 1936. The couple made their home in Northboro where Gerald farmed all of his working days.

Some of Gerald's interests included history, reading, working on the farm, and tending to his rose gardens which were spectacular year after year. He was a life-long member of the Northboro M.E. Church, later the United Methodist Church.

He was proceeded in death by his beloved wife Jean; grandson-in-law Ben Morin; and his sister Gladys Woodhull.

Those left to honor his memory include his daughters Bonnie Vaage and husband Birger of Heggedal, Norway and Connie Plank and husband Charles of Columbus Junction, Iowa; three grandchildren; Jodie Morin and daughters Emma and Kate; Shawn Plank and wife Susan and their sons Sam and Tom; Andy Plank and wife Susan and their sons Zachary and Brennan; other family and friends.