Gerald Ray “Jerry” Utter, 79, Portland, Oregon, died Monday, Nov. 15, 2021, at his home after a brief battle with cancer.
He will be laid to rest at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon.
Jerry Utter was born on Oct. 9, 1942, in Astoria, Oregon, to Ray and Norma (Whitten) Utter. He graduated from Astoria High School in 1960.
He enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1963. He served six years on USCGC Yocona (WMEC-168) in Astoria, Oregon, Adak, Alaska, and USCGC Winona (WHEC-65) based in Port Angeles, Washington. He completed his service as an EM3 (E-4).
After his military service Jerry worked as a journeyman maintenance electrician at FMC in Portland, Oregon, Grey & Company in Forest Grove, Oregon, and Gunderson in Portland, Oregon. He was a member of the IBEW Local 48 electrician’s union. Jerry retired in 2008.
Jerry married JoAnn Ahrendt, daughter of Herbert and Esther Ahrendt (Deitermann) of Luverne, on Feb. 8, 1975, at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Hillsboro, Oregon.
Throughout his life Jerry enjoyed bowling, repairing electronics, train travel, card games, crosswords, sports, and his wife’s baking. Jerry was a B.P.O.E. Elk for more than 52 years at Lodge #1862 in Hillsboro. He volunteered and made extensive charitable donations, habitually donated blood, and could be found serving meals or packing care boxes on most holiday mornings.
Survivors include his wife, JoAnn Utter, daughter Jennifer, and son John; sister Janet Stocker and her children Diane (Dean) Carter and Dan Stocker.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Christopher Utter.
In lieu of flowers, please donate blood or send monetary donations to the Elks National Foundation, Oregon Food Bank, American Red Cross, or the charity of your choice.
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