Gerald R. Shortt "Jerry", 85 years, of Appleton, Wisconsin passed away Wednesday, February 22, 2017, at Care Partners Assisted Living.

Jerry was born on October 19, 1931 in Appleton, Wisconsin to his loving parents, Robert and Ethel (Freund) Shortt. He was a graduate of Appleton High School, class of 1949. Shortly after graduating he joined the U.S. Navy in 1950 where he spent five years serving his country. Following his discharge from service Jerry worked for Badger Metal Inc., in Appleton, before opening his own heating wholesale business named, Central Corporation. Central Corporation became a successful business and his legacy. Jerry retired in 2003 and Central Corporation is now owned by his two sons-in-law.

On August 20, 1955 Gerald married the love of his life, Helen (Herrmann) Shortt at Zion Lutheran Church in Appleton, Wisconsin during which they spent 61 wonderful years together. During those 61 years they had three children who they loved dearly, and seven grandchildren who were the joy of his life.

Jerry and Helen spent time relaxing and enjoying family and friends in the comfort of nature at their cottage at Moshawquit Lake. The family cottage along with their "snow-bird" home in Ft. Meyers, Florida contributed to the countless memories of all the fun times they shared with family. Faith community was important to Jerry. He was lifted by those at Zion Lutheran Church and inspired to serve as the treasurer.

Jerry will be missed by his wife, Helen Shortt, children Vicki (John) Geurts, Richard Shortt, and Jacquelyn (Jim) Trunk, grandchildren Amy (Brett) Danelski, Michelle (Scott) Thompson, Melissa (Joshua) Sanders, Ally (Connor) Montgomery, Eric Trunk and Ethan Shortt, great-grandchildren Stella and Nora Danelski, Charlotte and Lucy Montgomery, and Harper Sanders, siblings Florence (Gerald) Winters, Ramona Lenzner, and Roberta"Bobby" (Mick) Mielke. Preceded in death by his parents Robert and Ethel Shortt, a grandson Jordan Shortt and a brother-in-law Wallace Lenzner.

A Funeral Service for Jerry will be held on Saturday, February 25, 2017 at 11 am at Zion Lutheran Church, 912 Oneida St., Appleton. Private entombment Highland Memorial Park. Family and friends may gather at Zion Lutheran Church, on Saturday, from 9 am until time of Service. The family of Jerry thanks the staff at Care Partners Assisted Living for their professional and loving care of him.