Jeffrey Frank DeLuna

   Jeffrey Frank DeLuna, 60, of McCall, Idaho passed away on December 30th, 2021 after a long, 19-month battle with colorectal cancer. 

   The Funeral Service will be held at 1:00 pm on January 8th, 2022 at Mountain Life Church. (Bring warm clothes for a Jeffy style event after the service).

   Jeff was born in St. Louis, Missouri on January 27th, 1961. He was the youngest of three children born to Lois and Joe DeLuna.  At a young age, Jeff’s family moved to California where he received his elementary and high school education. After graduating from Agoura High School in 1979, Jeff took a year off and moved to Connecticut; he lived with his dad and worked at Barny Bartin’s Beer Barn, earning money to attend college. This must have been a fun year for Jeff, as he shared many funny stories and kept in touch with the friends he made.

   Jeff returned to California for undergraduate school at Loyola Marymount University. He graduated Cum Laude in 1985 with a bachelor’s degree in Biology.  Jeff took another gap year before attending Dental School at Creighton University. He graduated in 1990 at the top of his class with Cum Laude honors and numerous awards. Upon graduation Jeff was accepted into the Air Force dental residency program where he served 5 years as a clinical dentist. Jeff started his Airforce career at Offutt AFB, then was transferred to San Vito AFB in Italy for 2 ¾ years during Desert Shield and Desert Storm. He finished his Airforce career in 1995 at Langley AFB as a Captain and Major Select with 3 Medals and 3 Ribbons.

   In 1995 Jeff made his way to McCall and purchased a dental practice from Dr. Brad Gauss. He worked at his practice until his diagnosis in May of 2020. Jeff loved dentistry, loved helping people, and loved getting to know his patients.  He is a member of the American Dental Association, served in the Rotary Club of McCall, and helped coach youth hockey, managing many of our local teams.

   Jeff met the love of his life in McCall. He and Kathy Gans were married on February 28th, 1998. For the past 24 years they were best friends and partners. Together they produced and raised two wonderful children, Kaden and Rylie. All who knew Jeff knew his family was his #1 priority, and Kaden and Rylie were the apple of his eye. He loved being with his family and participating in outdoor activities. He did it all, anything from being a trooper and skiing the black diamonds, braving the cold waters of Payette Lake in May to get a good surf in, ziplining, snorkeling and kayaking in Hawaii, to snorkeling and extreme adventures in Mexico.

   Jeff is survived by his wife Kathy, children Kaden (21) and Rylie (20), brother Steve, sister Cherie (Tom) Few, father and mother-in-law Gene and Carleen Gans, sister-in-law Shay (Bryan) Ruhl, and nephews Andrew Heikkila, Connor Heikkila, and Matt Ruhl.

   Jeff is preceded in death by his father Joseph DeLuna, his mother Lois DeLuna, and stepmother Kathleen DeLuna.

   In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to FightColorectalCancer.org; the Little Ski Hill After School Program at Box 442 McCall, ID 83638; or McCall Youth Hockey Association, Box 2360 McCall, ID  83638.

   If desired, online condolences may be left at www.mccallfunerals.com

   Arrangements in care of McCall Funeral Home.

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