Jerry Ray Tipke, 63

Jerry Ray Tipke, 63, passed away peacefully in his home in Hayden, Idaho, the morning of Oct. 28, 2023. Jerry was a decorated Army veteran who served his country for 20 years on active duty and in the reserve.

Jerry was born March 23, 1960, in his hometown of Hayden, Idaho, to parents Walter and Doris (Lorraine) Tipke. Jerry always wanted to be a soldier and could often be found playing war games as a child. He grew up racing and working on classic cars, helping his dad with landscaping around town and graduated surrounded by friends from Coeur d'Alene High School.

Jerry married his wife, Tina (Cotter), on Oct. 9, 1984. They celebrated 39 years together raising their three children. During his service, the family moved from Idaho to Germany, all the way to Alaska, then to Washington, and finally back to Idaho in 1994, when Jerry left active duty and joined the Army Reserve. After returning to Idaho, Jerry had an extensive career as a mechanic, tow truck driver and heavy equipment hauler.

Jerry never knew a stranger. Given enough time, he would make friends with anyone and quickly learn their life story. Jerry also was an extremely generous man, never straying from helping anyone in need. From unlocking car doors to changing tires, or teaching young men the art of buffing and painting. Jerry always believed in doing what was right, even if it was the hard path. He loved '80s rock music and an occasional Crown and Coke.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Tina, and their children: Marissa and Jo Garrett, Joshua and Bonnie Tipke, and Caitlin Tipke. Jerry was also blessed with and survived by his eight grandchildren: Jacey, Justin, Emily, Riley Ray, Adalee, Dakota, Triniti and Natalie. Jerry is also survived by many siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews and cousins.

Services for Jerry will be held Dec. 2, 2023, at 1 p.m. at Bell Tower Funeral Home, 3398 Jenalan Ave., Post Falls, ID. Reception to follow at Lake City Center, 1916 N. Lakewood Drive, Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, from 4:30 to 7 p.m.