Jerry Shelton

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     Jerry Shelton was born in Rapid City, SD on April 16, 1942, but spent most of his youth in Harrison County, Iowa. Never one to sit idle, Jerry raced from one adventure to the next – on bike, foot, or horseback – with his brother John and many other friends. Immediately after graduating from Modale High School in 1960, he enlisted in the United States Air Force as a fire protection specialist and spent four years stationed at Whiteman AFB. At the same time, he was working side jobs to save up for a ring and wedding. In May of 1964, Jerry completed his service contract and returned home to his fiancée Sharon (Keith). On August 15^th, 1964, Jerry and Sharon became the Sheltons.

     Jerry and Sharon’s first apartment was in Hawarden, Iowa, above a little bakery that made their place smell like donuts every morning, the beginning of his love of donuts. Jerry worked at the Sheraton Hotel as an event coordinator, where his charisma led him to meet Brenda Lee, Dear Abby, and many others.

     After their son Todd was born in 1966, Jerry and Sharon returned to their hometown of Mondamin where he took over managing Keith’s Store from his father-in-law, Fred Keith. By 1968 their family was complete with the birth of their daughter Jodi. Jerry believed in service to others and gave his all to the community.  For twenty-five years, he spent countless hours as a firefighter and EMT with Mondamin Fire and Rescue. He was instrumental in expanding and strengthening the facility and equipment. In 1993, he “retired” as fire chief. Jerry continued to serve the town as city councilman and mayor.

     While Jerry was collecting civil servant titles, he continued to run Keith’s Store for over thirty years. By 1991, Mondamin’s needs had changed so he and Sharon downsized the store and moved across the tracks where they built the Jiffy Mart from the ground up. They continued to provide a full-service butcher counter, groceries, and fresh donuts every Friday morning (any excuse to get donuts) and added convenience items, hot breakfast and lunch, and a place for people to gather for coffee and conversation. Over his years at the Jiffy, Jerry’s youthful spirit of adventure returned and in 2000 he “retired” once again.

     On his first day of retirement, Jerry went to the Jiffy for morning coffee with the boys and came home with a new job. Jerry would spend the next nineteen years traveling throughout North America driving for Crusader and Arrow bus lines. He was on the road for weeks at a time, carrying sports teams, musicians, tourist groups, and shuttling Olympians. Sharon went on several cross-country tours, and they made many dear friends along the way. Although he was often far away, he was always thinking of home. Without fail, he would bring back goodies or souvenirs for his wife, kids, and grandkids.

     Somehow among all his jobs he made time to create priceless memories with his family and friends. He, Sharon, and their kids spent time boating, water skiing, and riding horses. He also taught his son and daughter to have a strong work ethic, leading by example every step of the way. Kids, grandkids, and friends alike could always count on Jerry to eagerly lend a hand for any and every project around town. Jerry and Sharon loved taking their grandkids camping all over the country and were the support crew for their kids on RAGBRAI. He was the best grandpa a kid could ask for; he always found a way to sneak some cookies or candy or fix any broken toy in a split second. He was the perfect guy to take a nap with his kids and grandkids.

     At an age when most settle into a more relaxed pace, Jerry continued to add to his resume and recreational activities. In addition to working on the Shelton-Keith farm, he began working at King Farms alongside men half his own age. His leisure time was spent playing golf, working on various projects in the garage, taking trips, and serving the community.

     Jerry was a man of conviction. He believed in the power of a hard day’s work, candy bars, donuts, pop, and especially a good power nap. Above all, he held a strong faith in Christ. He was dedicated to growing the Mondamin Church of Christ and used the Gospel to guide his path through life. Jerry had a servant's heart and gave his all to his family, friends, and to the church.

     Jerry D. Shelton died on Saturday, January 13, 2024, in Omaha, Nebraska.

     Jerry is survived by his wife, Sharon Shelton of Mondamin, Iowa; children, Todd (Bretta) Shelton of Coralville, Iowa and Jodi (DJ) Weber of Primghar, Iowa; grandchildren, Kyle (Diandra) Shelton, Tyler Hoff, Katelyn Hoff (Chris Krueger), Spencer (Erin) Shelton and Shaye Shelton (Colin Short); great-grandchildren, Bella, Olivia and Hailey; siblings, Joan Hamilton of Council Bluffs, Iowa, John Shelton of Blair, Nebraska, Janet (Buck) Buchanan of Hay Market, Virginia and Janelle Peterson of Harlan, Iowa; and many other relatives and friends.