Robert J. Zweifel

Robert J. (Jerry) Zweifel
1935 ~ 2014
Robert J. (Jerry) Zweifel, age 79, passed away July 5, 2014 of congestive heart failure.
Jerry was born in a farmhouse located 4 miles south of the town of LuVerne, Iowa on February 20, 1935. He was the eldest of four sons born to Adam (Bob) and Laura Zweifel.
The family farmed in the LuVerne area during his childhood and he attended the rural consolidated school of Vernon for all 12 grades. His senior class of 18 was the largest ever to graduate from the school.
After one year at Eagle Grove Junior College he was drafted by the Army. After basic training in Fort Riley, Kansas he finished his two-year requirement in communication schools and radio repair assignments at Camp Gordon, Georgia.
On June 10, 1954 Jerry married Lola M. (Sue) Slaikeu of Eagle Grove, Iowa at the Little Brown Church in the Vale in Nashua, Iowa. Of this union four daughters were born.
After being discharged from the Army, Jerry was hired by AT&T long lines department and worked for them in Des Moines, Iowa, Minneapolis, Minnesota and Boise, Idaho until 1967 when he declined a transfer to AT&T Headquarters in New York City.
Jerry then held various communications and data processing positions with Boise Cascade Corporation from 1967 until 1977. At that time he and a partner purchased Power Tool & Machinery Co., an industrial supply business in Boise.
After selling the business in 1989, Jerry started and managed a branch office for Melbran Distributing. After three years he left to become a Manufacturer's Representative representing a number of companies to distributors in Southern Idaho and Eastern Oregon. He continued doing this until he retired in late 2002.
Jerry was made a Master Mason in Des Moines, Iowa and continued his association with this organization over the years. He was a member of Boise Masonic Lodge #2, had a 32 degree standing in the Scottish Rite, and belonged to the El Korah Shrine Temple. He served as an officer in the Mekanix Parade Unit for over 15 years.
In support of his daughters Jerry became involved with the Girl Scouts and Job's Daughters. Jerry was a regular on the Girl Scout summer and winter camping trips. Jerry served as associated Bethel Guardian of Bethel #3 for a number of years. He had a number of presentations and awards from both these organizations which he proudly displayed in his office.
Also displayed in his office were a number of awards for his participation in supporting the Vocational Industrial Clubs of America (VICA). He also volunteered his time to participate as an adviser to various Vocational Education programs at Boise State University.
Jerry and Sue became members of Hillview United Methodist Church in 1966, a few months after moving to Boise. Over the years, Jerry served on or chaired most of their boards and building committees.
Jerry is survived by Sue, his wife of 60 years; daughters Cheryl Zweifel (Steve Alvarez) of Middleton, Nancy (John) Fauver, Barbara (Gary) Woodington, and Sandy Aldrich all of Boise; grandchildren Josh Claiborn, Jason, Dustin and Staci Woodington, Luke Fauver, all of Boise and Victoria Alvarez of Lexington, KY and 2 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Dennis (Karen) Zweifel of Moline, IL, numerous nephews and nieces and Cousin Donna Lichty, Elmhurst, IL.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Ronald and James Zweifel and his "like a brother" cousin Robert Lichty.
A memorial service with reception following will be held on Thursday, July 10, 2014 at 2:30 PM at Hillview United Methodist Church, 8525 W. Ustick Rd, Boise. A private family graveside service will be held at Dry Creek Cemetery.
The family would like to thank St. Luke's Home Care and Hospice for their support and assistance in caring for Jerry.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorials be sent to the El Korah Shrine "Patient Travel Fund", 1407 W. Bannock, Boise, ID 83702, or Hillview United Methodist Church, 8525 W. Ustick Rd., Boise, ID 83704, or a charity of your choice .
Memories and condolences may be shared with Jerry's family on his webpage at www.summersfuneral.com