Gerald Richard Schiefen

Gerald Richard Schiefen, 86, of Hawarden, Iowa, formerly of Longmont, Colorado, died peacefully on Friday, November 22, 2024, at the Akron Care Center in Akron, Iowa. A celebration of Gerald’s life will be held on Saturday, November 30, at 9:30 a.m. at Porter Funeral Home in Hawarden with friends and family gathering at the Fraternal Order of Eagles immediately after for light refreshments. A private burial with family will take place prior to the memorial service. Condolences may be sent to www.porterfuneralhomes.com.

Gerald was born on August 19, 1938, in Hawarden, Iowa to Paul “Bud” and Bernice (Miller) Schiefen. Gerald was welcomed home by his older brother, Bernard “Bernie”. Soon to follow were three more baby boys; Don, Clark “Doug”, and Mike. Gerald spent his youth making many memories with his extended family. He worked as a farmer during his teenage years and spent several years as a supervisor at Otis Radio Company in Hawarden. He then married Charlene Vande Hoef and in 1964 the couple would move to Oak Grove Park where Gerald was named caretaker and eventually Executive Director of the Sioux County Conservation Board. Gerald was instrumental in planning and developing several areas of the park, including the once well- known toboggan run, the shelters, cabins, and campgrounds, including Turkey Ridge and Deer Run. He also worked to obtain additional land for the future growth of Oak Grove and was happy to live to see the park turn 100 years old. Gerald managed twelve conservation areas in Sioux County and retired after 35 years. He greatly appreciated nature and its beauty, but also saw the importance of preserving and protecting it. 

After retirement, Gerald lived in Rock Valley and later settled in Longmont, Colorado. He made many new friends whom he made fond memories with appreciating their friendship. He traveled around the state enjoying its natural beauty. He even climbed his first “fourteener” when he was in his 70’s. Gerald and his friends gathered weekly at his home for many years, as well as meeting at the local Colorado breweries. He enjoyed visits with his three brothers over the years, as well as being with his daughter and her family. He took great pride in his backyard and loved showing off his garden, flowers and his many projects. He enjoyed helping anyone who had a handyman job to complete and always had the right tool to get the job done. In 2022 he moved back to his hometown of Hawarden, Iowa where he was able to revisit the roads he once traveled. In 2023 he became a resident of the Akron Care Center.

Gerald is survived by his daughter Roni (Dave) Daale of Fairview, SD and their children and grandchildren, Sara and Dani, Beau (Ellen) and Lincoln, Tanner (Jessica) Jayden and Mackenzie and daughter Laree (Kevin) Smith of Hawarden, formerly of Longmont, CO, and their daughters, Sophie and Olivia. He is also survived by his brothers, Bernie of Sun City, AZ, Don (Judy) of Ft. Collins, CO, Clark of Joliet, IL/Ft. Meyers, FL, his niece, Cheryl (Robert) TenNapel and nephews, Matthew (Laurie) and Dan Schiefen, former wife, Charlene Lill, sister-in-law, Nancy Schiefen, good friend, Colane Gerritsen, and many special friends from Colorado.

He is preceded in death by his parents, a very special brother, Michael Bruce Schiefen, and sister-in-law, Merrilyn Schiefen. A very special thank you to the staff and residents of the Akron Care Center and the kindness and love from St. Croix Hospice.