Gerald Ray Utter "Jerry"

Jerry was born on October 9, 1942 in Astoria, Oregon to Ray & Norma Utter (Whitten). Jerry died in his home, surrounded by family, on November 15, 2021 after a brief battle with cancer.

Survivors include his wife, JoAnn Ahrendt Utter, Jennifer (daughter) and John (son), Janet Stocker (sister) and her children Diane (& Dean) Carter and Dan (& Val) Stocker.

Jerry and JoAnn married on February 8, 1975 at St. Matthew Catholic Church in Hillsboro, Oregon and remained together through his death. 

Jerry graduated from Astoria High School in 1960 and enlisted in the United States Coast Guard in 1963. He served 6 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 (Portland, OR), Grey & Company (Forest Grove, OR), and Gunderson (Portland, OR), retiring in 2008. He was a member of the IBEW Local 48 electrician’s union.

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. 

Jerry was preceded in death by his son, Christopher James Utter, and his parents, Ray & Norma Utter of Astoria, Oregon.

He will be laid to rest at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon. 

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.