Jerry Edward Shields

Jerry Edward Shields, 80, passed away on March 1, 2021, surrounded by three people he loved more than life. He was born at home in Palo Alto County, Iowa, on November 14, 1940, to James Claron and Beulah V. (Bigger) Shields. He was the second of six kids but always seemed to be “in charge” of the Shields family. He grew up on a farm near Milford, Iowa; he attended grade school and high school in Milford, and while going to school, he made many lifelong friends; he graduated from Milford High School in 1959.

Jerry met the love of his life, Merry (Gai) Langer, in the summer of 1960, and they eloped on January 28, 1962. They have shared 59 years of wedding bliss. Together they made their home full of unconditional love, support, friendship, and interesting times. Jerry was an expert carpenter with many years of experience. He started his construction career with Morton Builders in Spencer, working his way up to foreman, moving to Des Moines; he then worked for Bob Canine before venturing out on his own with his own crew.

Around 1974 Jerry Shields Construction was formed and flourished into a framing company where he met many wonderful people. Then around 1990, he switched from framing to finishing work to do the jobs by himself and a little less stress. He has always enjoyed showing off his work; he took his daughters to many building sites and showing them what he was doing. While taking them on a job site, he loved to have Gai walk up and down the open stairs because he knew she hated to do it! As his grandkids grew, he started taking them to the job site as well. He loved to share his joy of construction with his grandkids. He had helped both sons-in-law with countless “home” projects from decks, roofing, and fences at Jacie & Brent’s to designing and helping with the building of Page & Tom’s home, and always having an input when sheds were added. If a grandchild was making something, he always wanted to stop and see what they were doing and inspect their work. He was quick to offer help, guidance, and tools. Two other things that Jerry loved were his Cubbies and his garden. He flew the “W” flag proudly; several years ago, we all took a family trip to Chicago as a present for dad. It was heartwarming to be able to see him enjoy a live game with all his grandkids. His other love was for his garden; he loved to show it off. You would have thought no one had ever had a garden the way he showed it off. He was proud of it and wanted to make sure we all got produce from it. It was great.

Jerry is the proud father of two daughters: Jacie (Brent) Smith of Grimes and Page (Tom) Arganbright of Panora; and even prouder grandpa of his seven grandchildren; Jorie (Greg) Kruger of Ankeny; Garrett (Kelsey) Arganbright of Adel; Elly Arganbright (Deo Luyirika) of Belgium; Bryce (Brittney) Arganbright of Panora; Claire Arganbright (Juan Rosales) of Des Moines; Grace Arganbright of Spain and three great-grandchildren; Aiden, Bria & Brecklin; brother Jim Shields and many nieces and nephews.

When it came to his family, there was nothing he wouldn’t do. He loved to attend any and many sporting activities, school events, and tons of birthdays. Jerry loved watching his grandkids in all their sporting events, including hockey, soccer, football, basketball, cross country, track, musicals, and plays. Each occasion he could attend, he would. Not to mention all the birthday parties he attended, graduations, and family get-togethers.

Jerry will be forever remembered for his wonderful sense of humor; he loved a good joke, especially when he was the one doing it. The famous “mongoose” that he loved to show people. “Get down there and look real close; the mongoose is afraid of the light,” and just as you would have your nose to the cage, he would pull the spring and a tail would fly out, and everyone would scream and jump...all the while he was laughing so hard.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Claron & Beulah, brothers Jack & Joe, sisters Shirley & Sharon, and grandson Jered Smith.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church in Grimes.