Gerald Thomas Shoemaker, 81, of Minneapolis, passed away on Tuesday, March 13, 2012 in Salina. Gerald was born in Ada on April 3, 1931, to Lennie and Florence Shoemaker. Eventually the family located to a farm outside of Minneapolis where Gerald grew up.

Gerald married his college sweet heart Joyce Davidson on June 8, 1952, in Minneapolis, Kansas. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Bethany College in 1954 where he also earned All Conference honors playing football. Gerald began his teaching career that same year at Minneapolis high school where he taught History and Math. While at Minneapolis, Gerald also served as the head coach of the boys varsity basketball team, leading his team to the 1959 state finals.

In 1964, Gerald and his growing family relocated to Shawnee in order to continue his teaching and coaching career at Turner High School in Kansas City, KS. He served as teacher and coach until 1974 when he retired from coaching. He then continued to serve as department head teaching drivers education until 1988, when he formally retired and returned with his wife Joyce to the Minneapolis area and the family farm. During his retirement years, Gerald was a tireless supporter of his grandchildren's athletic pursuits.

Gerald is survived by his wife Joyce of Minneapolis, son Jerry and wife Kim of Minneapolis, daughter Gwyn Schuler and husband Steve of Shawnee, daughter Sherry Cisper and husband Pat of Loveland, Ohio, and daughter Cogie Shoemaker of Minneapolis. Gerald is also survived by eleven grandchildren and six great grandchildren.

Graveside services will at 11 A.M., Saturday, March 17, 2012 at Highland Cemetery, Minneapolis with Pastor Michele McHenry officiating. Visitation will be from 2 P.M. to 7 P.M. Friday at the Wilson Family Funeral Home where the family will receive friends from 5 P.M. to 7 P.M. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Minneapolis Junior Senior High School Basketball Program (make checks payable to USD 239).