John “Jack” Ronald Shelker, 88, of Perry passed away Tuesday, Jan. 28, 2025, at the Eden Acres campus of the Perry Lutheran Homes in Perry, Iowa, in the company of his wife, Becky, sister, Marilyn, niece, Teresa Van Zee, sister-in-law, Carolyn Kass, and the Rev. Litto Thomas.
Visitation will be Friday, March 7 from 9-10 a.m. at the St. Patrick Catholic Church in Perry, followed by a Mass of Christian burial at 10 a.m. A luncheon will follow the Funeral Mass in the St Patrick School gymnasium. Inurnment will take place at Saint Michael’s Cemetery in Kingsley, Iowa.
Jack Shelker was born in State Center, Iowa, on Nov. 7, 1936, to John and Wadena (Blink) Shelker.
Jack was little brother to three sisters and big brother to one sister. Needless to say, he was picked on by the three older ones and adored by the younger one.
The family lived in rural Rhodes, Iowa, until 1940, when they moved to a farm northwest of Dawson.
Jack attended Dawson public school from kindergarten to graduation in 1954.
After graduation, Jack helped on the farm, worked for the railroad and did construction. He also served in the U.S. Army and National Guard. Jack later worked at Oscar Mayer and Meadow Gold and retired from Percival Scientific Inc.
Jack’s yard, flowers and vegetable gardens were proof of his love and ability to grow most anything.
Woodworking and remodeling were other hobbies. His happy place was the garage where you could usually find him working on his latest project or cleaning up the mess he made.
Jack had one son (his pride and joy) and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Wendy Shelker of Dillion, Colorado. On May 12, 1979, Jack married the love of his life, Becky Timmins. They had nearly 46 great years together.
Jack was proceeded in death by his parents, John and Wadena; sister, Juanita Davis; brother-in-law, Bob Van Zee; nephew, Bruce Van Zee; sister and brother-in-law, Arlene and John Hammer and sister and brother-in-law, Sharon and Jim Cassady; and two brothers-in-law, Kenny Flammang and Brad Timmins.
Jack is survived by his loving wife, Becky; his loving son and daughter-in-law, Jeff and Wendy; his sister, Marilyn Van Zee; sisters and brothers-in-law, Donna Flammang, Tim and Debra Timmins, Carolyn and Dale Kass and Cindi and Dennis Young; and many nieces and nephews who loved him dearly.
Jack will be remembered as a man of strong faith, love of family and a great work ethic. He had a dry sense of humor. He was kind, humble and thoughtful. Jack was a good person. He will be missed. I love you, Jack, a bushel and a peck. –Becky.
Condolences for the family may be shared online at www.caldwellparrish.com.
