Gerald J. Shirk

Gerald “Jerry” J. Shirk, 94, passed away peacefully surrounded by his three sons on Monday, June 6, 2016 at Norwalk Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. A private memorial graveside service was held Saturday, June 11, 2016 at Resthaven Cemetery in West Des Moines.

Jerry was born February 23, 1922 in Goldfield. He was a long time resident of rural Norwalk and recently the Lodge of Ashworth in West Des Moines. Jerry worked as a Federal Agent for the Internal Revenue Service for 30 years. He served in the U.S. Air Force during WWII and was recently presented with a Quilt of Valor by the Cumming American Legion, Post 562.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife of 75 years, Ruth; sons, Darrell (Diane) of Gravois Mills, Missouri, Ron (Karen) of Salisbury, North Carolina (formerly Des Moines), Larry (Linda) of rural Norwalk, Iowa; and daughter, Lori Shirk of Indianola, Iowa; eight grandchildren, Brett Shirk of Paola, Kansas, Darci (Dan) Frahm of Davidson, North Carolina, Sam (Erika) Shirk of Valdez, Alaska, Megan (Justin) Fisk of Annapolis, Maryland, Sarah (Tim) Roe of Chicago, Illinois, Jeremiah (Mary) Shirk of Manhattan, Kansas, Kate (John) Schofield of Salisbury, North Carolina (formerly Des Moines), Caitlyn Shirk of North Kansas City, Missouri; and 13 great-grandchildren, Gabriel, Eliana, Sofia Frahm, Blake, Grant, Ann McAllister, Bear Schofield, River Iannaccone, Piers Shirk, Matthew, Alex, Brady, Mason Roe, Thomas and Ethan Smith, Noah and Mary Kennedy Shirk. He was preceded in death by his infant son, Gerald Paul.

Memorial contributions may be directed to his favorite charity, the Christian Opportunity Center of Indianola, Iowa.

We are very grateful for the outstanding and compassionate care provided by Norwalk Nursing and Rehabilitation and Suncrest Hospice.