Gerald "Jerry" Shellberg, 90

Gerald Francis “Jerry” Shellberg, 90, of La Vista, Neb., formerly of Red Oak, passed away Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026, at Nebraska Methodist Hospital in Omaha, following a month-long battle with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).
Born Jan. 8, 1936, in Griswold, Jerry was the son of Edwin Samuel and Alice Catherine (Quinn) Shellberg. He graduated from Elliott High School in 1953 and earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Iowa State University in 1957. While attending college, he participated in ROTC and was commissioned as a second lieutenant.
In December 1959, he married Barbara Louise Miller in Griswold. Together, they made their home in Red Oak for most of their married life before relocating to La Vista, Neb., in 2014.
Jerry began his professional career with the Iowa Department of Transportation and later served as Montgomery County Engineer. After many years with HGM and Associates, he founded JFSCO Engineering, which he eventually sold to his longtime business partner, Pete Crawford. His passion for engineering never faded, and he continued consulting on special projects until 2023.
An active and dedicated member of the Red Oak community, Jerry was a longtime parishioner of St. Mary’s Catholic Church and a lifetime member of the Red Oak Elks Lodge. He also served on the Red Oak City Council, Community School Board, Acorn Development Group, and Chamber of Commerce. His commitment to civic involvement reflected his desire to contribute to and improve the community he called home for so many years.
Outside of his professional and community commitments, Jerry enjoyed golf, skiing, tennis, running, crossword puzzles, and, most of all, working on “projects” with his children. He also shared a special bond with Morris, a kitten he rescued from the Nebraska Humane Society and affectionately nicknamed “Baby Cat.” Morris quickly became his devoted companion and best friend.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Edwin and Alice Shellberg; brothers, Tom and Gail Shellberg; sister, Nancy Williams; and grandson, Daniel Antrim and daughter-in-law, Susan Shellberg, both family members of his son, Jeff.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Barbara Shellberg of La Vista, Neb.; five children, Julie Shellberg of La Vista, Neb.; Jeff Shellberg (Yvonne) of Punta Gorda, Fla.; Jeanne Stahlman (Richard) of Greenville, S.C.; Jay Shellberg (Susie) of Elkhorn, Neb.; and Jennifer Hoevet (Howie) of La Vista, Neb. He is also survived by nine grandchildren; one great-grandchild; sister-in-law, Shirley Shellberg of Windsor, Colorado; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Visitation with the family will begin at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, 2026, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Red Oak, followed by a funeral Mass at 3 p.m. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Red Oak Elks Lodge following Mass for a reception and light dinner.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Red Oak Heritage Foundation.
LeRette Funeral Chapel of Red Oak, is overseeing the funeral arrangements.