Gerald Ecklund

Gerald Jerome Ecklund, “Jerry”, 76, of Port Orchard, WA went to be with the Lord on December 27, 2011 at Harrison Medical Center from complications related to Parkinson’s disease. Gerald was born on December 26, 1935 in Kenmare, North Dakota to Roy and Veronica (Meyer) Ecklund. He attended South Kitsap High School in Port Orchard. Gerald joined the United States Marine Corps in 1953 where he served until 1957. Gerald married Patricia Kathleen Meranda on October 2, 1953 in Port Orchard where they made their home. After serving as a Marine, he was employed at Cleveland Chevrolet, Halvorsen Motors, Howe Motors, and PSNS, shop 38, where he worked for 29 years, retiring in 1993. Gerald was an alter boy as a child and a member of St. Gabriel’s Catholic Church until Parkinson’s disease limited his mobility. He was a member of the Port Orchard Eagles and enjoyed bowling, fishing, playing his guitar, and taking care of his farm. He played in a band called “Country Fun,” liked making beer and wine, playing cards, going to the casino, and having family gatherings. They owned an old school building which they’ve turned into the Ecklund Hall where family gatherings are held and has kept the family together. Gerald was a family man and he died in the loving arms of his wife, surrounded by his family. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Darvin, Eugene, Laverne, and Donald Ecklund; and his sisters Elaine Zimny and Delores Hovermale. He is survived by his wife Patricia, of Port Orchard; son Gerald “Geeg” (Becky) Ecklund of Silvercreek, WA; daughters Debbie (Dennis) Posey, Linda (Gary) Bruhn, Nickie (Tim) Drury all of Port Orchard, and Teresa (Casey) Layton of Spokane;  brother Jack (Linda) Ecklund of Port Orchard; sisters Rosalie (Bob) Weinholtz of Libby, MT, Vicki Fine of Enumclaw, and Boni (Jim) Bennett and sister-in-laws Judy and Patience Ecklund, all of Port Orchard; 13 grandchildren: Denise (Tracy), Aaron, Jen, Caleb, Kyle (Dana), Shad (Jenny), Gary (Nichole), Meranda (Brad), Lacey, Lindsey, Mickinzie (Danny), Mason and Avery; 11 great-grandchildren: Layne, Lana, Marshall, Blake, Makayla, Kalei, Dayton, Mika, Royce, KayLynn and Taylor; and his dog Buster. A special thanks to close friends Carl Tinker, Billy Lewis and Ben Robinson for coming out frequently and spending time with Jerry while he was sick.  Memorial donations may be made to The American Parkinson’s Disease Association, Washington Chapter P.O. Box 75169 Seattle, WA 98175. Services will be held on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 4:00PM at Christian Life Center, 1780 SE Lincoln Ave, Port Orchard. Reception to follow at Ecklund Hall. Viewing will be held Friday, January 6, 2012 from 5 to 7PM at Rill’s Life Tribute Center. You may also visit the online memorial at www.rill.com .