Jerry Gene Sheldon, 83

Jerry Gene Sheldon, 83, of Laurel, MT, passed away June 19, 2020, from leukemia. He was born to Lela and Walter Sheldon on July 28, 1936, in Valentine, NE. His family moved to Laurel, in 1948, where he graduated from Laurel High School in 1953 at age 16. Jerry attended college before joining the Army Airborne in 1955, and he served until 1959.

He returned to Laurel and married his sweetheart, Patricia Ann Price, on June 5, 1959. They moved to Missoula and he continued his education, graduating from the University of Montana with a degree in forestry.

He relocated his young family to ranger districts in Idaho, with stops in Orofino, Kooskia, and finally landing in Post Falls, in 1972. He worked in the Idaho Panhandle National Forests at Fernan Ranger Station (Coeur d’Alene) until he retired in Dec. 1985, with nearly 26 years of federal service. Jerry enjoyed working on national fire teams, where he commonly did maps and records on the largest forest fires, even after retirement.

Jerry developed lifelong friendships, many from the Forest Service, and from his 20 years of volunteerism, involvement and leadership with the Post Falls Lions Club. He was awarded Lion of the Year in 1991 and held many club offices, including president (twice) and zone chairman. Jerry served as a trustee for the Post Falls School District #273, from 1986 till 1989. He supported his children in all areas of their interests, including multiple sports and scouts for 10 years, where he was a cub master.

After retiring, he enjoyed his involvement with the International Weight Pull Association (IWPA) with his trained dogs. His hobbies included building custom furniture in his woodshop, where he mastered the craft. He and his late wife enjoyed traveling the USA, visiting national parks and camping.

Jerry lived in Idaho for 34 years before moving back to Montana, where he had promised to return his bride. They relocated to Red Lodge, MT, in 2000 and built their dream home, returning to Laurel in 2016. Sadly, he lost Patricia on June 15, 2019, after celebrating their 60th wedding anniversary.

He is survived by his children, Gregory Sheldon of Arvada, CO.; Janet Sheldon (Wallis Adams) of Midland, TX; Daniel Sheldon (Joni) of Arvada; Dennis Sheldon (fiancé, Stacey) of Hammond, LA and Burt Sheldon of Denver; and his brother, Truman (Linda) Sheldon of Red Lodge, MT. He has three grandchildren: Ashley and Jonathan (Greg) and Brandon (Dan), of the Denver area, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his brother, Marvin Sheldon, in 2017.

A burial at Yellowstone National Cemetery with a celebration of life will be held when the cemetery reopens.