Jerry Thormahlen

Jerry Edward Thormahlen was born Feb 5th, 1942 to Walter and Cecilia Thormahlen in Billings, Montana. Jerry was the oldest of seven siblings. Jerry’s youth was spent on the family farm where he learned the value of hard work and responsibility. Jerry often shared stories of his childhood on the farm with his grandchildren. The family moved to Anaconda, where shortly after, Jerry lost his father to cancer. At the age of 15, Jerry quit school to help his mother raise his seven younger siblings and support his family. In his 20's Jerry moved to Salt Lake City, Utah for work where he caught the BIGGEST CATCH of his life. In 1964, he made one of the best decisions of his life; he married Donell Sessions. Together they had 3 daughters: Tracy, Deborah, and Shannon. At the age of one, they lost their beautiful daughter, Tracy. After this, Jerry and Donell packed up the family and moved to Boise, Idaho, where they raided their two daughters. Jerry was an avid fisherman and outdoorsman, just ask his girls. The girls insist there is not a single picture of them that does not include a dead fish or animal. They moved to Seattle in the 80’s where he was able to fish for salmon, to his heart content. He was blessed with 4 wonderful grandkids: Garrett, Tracy, Jerry (Patrick), and Ashley. Jerry passed along his love for the outdoors and fishing to his grandchildren and insisted that they pursue their biggest dreams. Jerry loved his grandchildren more than fishing and would move the world for them. A memorial will be held at Rill Chapel in Port Orchard at 2:00 PM on Saturday, May 13th. The burial will be at Twin Firs Cemetery in Belfair, Washington.