Jerry Bryce Shantz

Surrounded by his loving family, Jerry passed away on December 7, 2016. Jerry Shantz was born in Selma, California on August 12, 1930 to Merle and Lennie Shantz. He attended schools in Selma, and upon graduating from Selma Union High School attended the University of California in Berkeley where he majored in Civil Engineering. His college career was interrupted by the Korean War. Instead of waiting to be drafted, he enlisted in the Army Corp of Engineers, went to Officer Candidate School, and served at the Presidio in SF. Following his military service, he returned to UC Berkeley to complete his education and graduated in 1956.

After graduating from college, Jerry became a trainee with Pittsburgh Des Moines Steel Company (PDM) and began his life-long career in the structural steel business. Many buildings in Sacramento and Northern California were structures that came across his desk, first when he was Sales Manager and later as General Manager of PDM in Sacramento. Later, he went to work for Palm Iron and Bridge until his retirement.

Jerry was very devoted to his family and he leaves behind his loving wife Alice of 59 years, sons Jonathan (Jo), Tom (Carmen), and daughter Susan Keith, four grandchildren, Amy, Cristina, Amanda, and Alex, as well as his sister Edie Armitstead, brothers Don, and David Shantz.

Jerry was a man of faith, being a longtime member of Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church, where he served as a deacon and in various other capacities. His family hopes Jerry will be remembered for his integrity, generosity, kindness, and great sense of humor.

A memorial service will be held at the Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church on Friday, January 6 at 11:00 AM. The family asks that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church Education Building Fund, or the charity of your choice. The family wishes to thank Tima Tikoi and Kaiser Hospice who cared for Jerry with love and kindness for the past year.