Gerald (Jerry) VanderZanden, 86

Gerald Lawrence VanderZanden (Jerry) passed away Oct. 12, 2024, due to complications from a broken hip.

Jerry was born Dec. 10, 1937, at his family home in Hillsboro, Ore., to his parents, Albert (Bert) VanderZanden and Rose Bernice (Bernie) VanderZanden.

Jerry spent his younger years working and playing on the family farm. In 1957, Jerry left the farm and enlisted in the United States Army. He was eventually stationed in Germany, where he capitalized on his time there, touring Europe every chance he could get. After his service, Jerry returned home to work on the family farm, where he resumed dating his high school sweetheart and love of his life, Donna Jarrett. Jerry and Donna were married Feb. 6, 1960. They built their home not far from the family farm and raised their three kids, Vickie, Shelley and Mark. Not long after returning from the service, Jerry went to work for General Telephone Co. (GTE). In 1978, Jerry's work for GTE caused the family to move to Orofino, Idaho. Jerry was an integral part of updating the Orofino area phone system. In, 1981, GTE had Jerry move to Coeur d'Alene, Idaho. Jerry retired from GTE after a long and successful career of 30 years.

After many years at their home in Coeur d'Alene, Jerry and Donna built their home on Hayden Lake. He loved their home on the lake and resided there for the rest of his life.

Jerry was an avid outdoorsman and fly fisherman. He was known for being good-spirited and a little mischievous; it is safe to say Jerry never met a stranger. Jerry maintained his good-natured personality to the very end. Jerry was known in many circles, one of the notable being the field trialing community. Jerry's love for labrador retrievers was unmatched. Jerry and Donna had to come home early from their honeymoon to buy their first black lab. He especially enjoyed his time spent training and trialing with the Mission Mountain Retrievers out of Ronan, Mont.

Jerry, also, had a love for wood working. He became known across the country for his wood bowls. His bowls were coveted trophies at many a field trial.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 64 years, Donna VanderZanden, of Hayden Lake, Idaho. His children: Vickie Larson (John), daughter Amy Powers (Mike), son Alex of Orofino, Idaho; Shelley VanderZanden, daughter Brandy VanderZanden, daughter Kalealah, sons William and Joshua of Post Falls, Idaho; Mark VanderZanden (Andrea), daughter Erin and son Jay of Renton, Wash. Siblings Norma Thompson, Wayne VanderZanden, Jean Hoodman (Obie) and Bob VanderZanden (Crystal), all of Hillsboro, Ore., and Lorna VanderZanden of Washington state, along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Albert (Bert) VanderZanden, mother Rose Bernice (Bernie) VanderZanden and sister Sharon VanderZanden of Hillsboro, Ore.

The family will not be holding a service.