FOLLOWING THE SERVICE ON WEDNESDAY THE FAMILY INVITES ALL TO THE MERIDIAN CENTER FOR A CELEBRATION OF GERREL’S LIFE STARTING AT 4:30
Gerrel L. Shirk 74, died Friday February 15, 2019 at his Newton residence. He was born October 13, 1944 in Newton, Kansas to Clarence C. and Odeta A. ( Slaughter) Shirk. On July 2, 1966 he married Connie J Muse at Pittsburg, Kansas and she survives the home.
Gerrel owned and operated Gerrrel’s on West 1st street in Newton where he maintained and repaired foreign cars for over 35 years. He was also an accomplished problem solver and inventor. One of his inventions the “Mini-Pic” is still sold and used today. He also mowed for others during the growing season and gave freely of his time to help Caring Hands Humane Society keep their lawns mowed and tidy. Gerrel proudly served his country in the U.S. Army in the 25th infantry division stationed in Hawaii
Gerrel was a was a proud family man and greatly looked forward to spending time with his wife, sons, grandchildren and the many friends he has made. Big G enjoyed a good conversation and his gregarious nature captivated people.
He is survived by his wife Connie of the home; sons: Kurt and his wife Shelly Deruy of Joplin, MO; Cory and his wife Diana Shirk of El Paso, TX and Brett and his wife Jenni Shirk of Austin, TX. He is also survived by one brother Erich Shirk and one sister Melody Fry. He has 11 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren.
He is preceded in death by his parent’s two sons Kevin Deruy and Kenneth Deruy. He is also preceded in death by one brother.
Funeral service will be 3:00 p.m., Wednesday February 20, 2019 at Petersen Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Donna Voteau presiding. Private family interment will be at a later date. Visitation will be 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday prior to the service where the casket will be open.
Memorials are suggested to Caring Hands Humane Society in care of Petersen Funeral Home.
Joe and I want to extend our condolences to the family. God Bless all of you.
Jodi and I are saddened to hear this news. As you know I spent many hours in the shop as a kid. Gerrel was one of a kind. RIP.
R.I.P. old friend ❤❤
I enjoyed Gerrel’s company when we eradicated the Cedar trees in a 54 acre pasture with his inventive saw. As a side note, we allowed to Fire Departments from Halstead, Sedgwick, and Newton to help us as we burned the piles.?
Gerrel truly was one of a kind!
Condolences to Connie and the family.
My condolences Connie and family. I will always think of Gerrel as my big protector cousin. He now can hug his Mother again.
Many thoughts and prayers for your family, Gerrel was one of a kind for sure.
Cory,
I’m so sorry to hear this. My prayers are with you and your family!
We want to give our sympathies on hearing the news of Gerrel’s passing. May God bless and keep you during this difficult time.
Gerrel was one of the nicest persons anyone could meet. Kind, Honest and always respectful of everyone. He worked on my VW I owned at one time, and I had complete faith in his work. Glad to have known him and prayers for his family in this time of sorrow.
Condolences to the family of Gerrel Shirk.
Gerrel was our neighbor growing up in the country outside of Sedgwick, he was also a great mechanic and friend to Vince and I. He was a intelligent great person and could always laugh and crack jokes, he will be greatly missed.
We always had time to visit no matter what we were doing.
I always enjoyed our talks.
RIP my friend
He will be greatly missed
We are going to miss you Big Daddy.
We are so sorry to hear of Gerrel’s passing. We were neighbors for several years, and we always took our cars to him. He was a great technician and friend. Please accept our sincere condolences.
My condolences Connie to you and your family. You are all in my prayers. Gerrel was a true friend. Brock and I had many great conversations and laughs with him. He will be greatly missed. R.I.P. old friend
Knew Gerrel from the time he opened up the old Skelly station on first and Main. Always enjoyed him coming to the salvage yard and we would just talk. Gerrel was always faithful to come to our home and clean our driveway with his equipment when we had a big snow. He was a good friend and will be missed.
I live in NE now. Will be unable to attend service. Wonderful classmate. Sending warm thoughts and prayers for him and family. ??
I’m so sorry Aunt Connie.
Our sincere prayers for the family’s comfort and peace. Gerrel was one of the warmest and most endearing people we’ve had the pleasure of knowing. Our lives are richer and filled with wonderful memories as a result of our friendship. We’ll miss you, Big Daddy!
He was a loving caring man, he didn’t know any stranger. I am sorry for yalls lost, It was an honor to know him.
Sorry for your loss. He inspired a lot of his kids’ friends. We were convinced he could fix or build anything.
So sorry for your loss. Lots of amazing memories of Big “G” and my dad.
I am so sorry for your loss. I have many fond memories growing up as your neighbor.
Jennifer Reid
Rest Gerrel, until you hear at dawn,
the low, clear reveille of God.
Thank you for your service to this nation.
Gerrel always had time and patience for my dad when most of us did not. I always enjoyed talking with him, so sad to hear of his passing.
Sorry for your loss.
Always ready with a great story and always friendly. Helped me multiple times with car problems. Condolences to the family.
Worked with at his shop.I learned a lot from him.Very nice guy and will miss him.Had a great time working with him.
My first car was a VW square back and the car’s mechanic was Gerrel. I learned the importance of an excellent mechanic in the life of one’s car. He delighted in sharing about his family, the accomplishments of children and, of course, his grandchildren. It was a pleasure to have known him. My condolences to his wife and family.
Connie, dear one, I am so sorry to hear of Gerrel’s passing. He was a gifted man who maintained my parents’ vehicles and my sons and mine when we moved back to Kansas. I remember Daddy enjoying sitting and joking with Gerrel while he was working on his vehicles…loved his Volkswagen maintaining abilities!
One of a kind of a man. Will be greatly missed. Thank you for your service and being a good friend!
Wish I’d had seen this sooner! Sorry I missed his service. He was a great friend! Til we meet again Big G!!! R.I.P.
I went to high school with Gerrel & he was such a kind, caring person. May God bring comfort to you all. May he R.I.P.