Jerry Blayne Boots

Death takes the body. God takes the soul. Our mind holds the memories. Our heart keeps the love. Our faith lets us know we will meet again.

Jerry was born on January 25, 1943, in Cherokee, Iowa, to Carl and Georgia (Robar) Boots. He spent his childhood living in the town of Marcus, Iowa, where he excelled as a student and athlete. In 1961, Jerry left Marcus for college at Iowa State University and, in 1963, he married his grade-school sweetheart, Sharon Drefke. Together, they embarked on a lifelong adventure that would take them across the country and around the world. He graduated with a degree in Civil Engineering and then continued his education with an MBA from Memphis State University. He spent his entire career in engineering, business development, and sales positions as a loyal employee of Chicago Bridge & Iron.

Along with their three sons, Jerry and Sharon traveled the country and the world – taking on new jobs, exploring unique places, enjoying diverse foods and embracing the cultures of their new surroundings. Married for more than 55 years, they lived in Iowa, Illinois, Tennessee, California, Texas, Arizona, South Korea and Saudi Arabia and traveled to dozens more countries for work and fun. After retiring from CBI, Jerry and Sharon settled in Anthem, Arizona to enjoy the outdoors, to play golf and tennis, and to explore the Southwest.

Jerry will be greatly missed by his beloved wife of more than 55 years, Sharon; his brother Denny Boots and his wife Deb; Sharon’s brothers David Drefke and his wife Bev, and Dean Drefke; and Sharon’s sister Evelyn Rasmussen and her husband Norm; his sons and their wives Jeff and Rhonda, Brian and Cathy, and Michael and Shelley; and his cherished grandchildren Savannah, Tristin, Zachary, Carlin and Owen.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at Cross of Christ Lutheran Church in Anthem at 3:00pm.