Jerry P. Shafer

Jerry Paul Shafer, 75, of Denver, passed away March 14, 2016.

He was born April 28, 1940 in Oelwein, Iowa, the son of Paul and Helen (Brink) Shafer. He was a graduate of Storm Lake High School. He graduated from Iowa State University with a degree in Electrical Engineering. He married Annette Sedgley in June of 1962. Jerry joined the United States Navy and served one tour on the USS Coral Sea, one tour on the USS Forrestal in Vietnam and also attended Naval Justice Training.

For his heroic efforts, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Bronze Star, as well as many other commendations. After leaving the Navy, Jerry worked for McDonnell Douglas on the unmanned orbital satellite program. He was a commercial pilot with Continental airlines for 37 Years.

On August 25, 1985 he married Cheryl Siruta, of Denver, Colorado. Together they traveled the world and lived in Colorado, Hawaii, Texas, Iowa and California. They lived on their sailboat in Hawaii and spent two years traveling the United States in their RV. Jerry loved life and enjoyed sharing that love with his family and friends.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Cheryl Shafer; sons, Jay (Marty) Shafer; Andy (Marla) Siruta; daughter, Melinda (Kent) Weigel; six grandchildren, McCellan Siruta, McClain Siruta, Brady Weigel, Darby Weigel, Emerson Shafer and Kalder Shafer; great-grandchild, Malcolm Siruta; two sisters, Judy Meskimen and Jane (Harlan) Else; and several nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Helen Shafer, and son, Vernon 'Short' Siruta.

Alzheimer's took away so many things, but Jerry remained cheerful, loving and kind. His kindness will remain in our hearts forever.
Memorial contributions may be made to Alzheimer's Association at http://www.alz.org/

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