FIND AN OBITUARY
Service information is posted on our website only with approval from the family.
If you are seeking information not listed below, please contact us.
Jerry Yesberger
07/16/1925 — 08/27/2015
From Richland, WA | Born in Pueblo, CO
Jerry Yesberger
Jerry Yesberger
Jerry Yesberger was a beloved husband, father, grandfather,
uncle, and friend to many. He passed
away peacefully at Hospice on August 27, 2015.
Jerry was born July 16, 1925, along with his twin sister, Geraldine, and
raised in Pueblo, Colorado. He joined
the Coast Guard in 1943 at the age of 17 after graduating from high school,
serving in the South Pacific during WWII.
Following the service, he attended the University of Denver where he
graduated with a degree in Public Health and Pharmacy. While attending the university, he met his
wife, Marge, on a bus after her mother suggested she take the empty seat next
to him.
In 1950, Jerry applied for a job with General Electric and moved to Richland where they raised their four children (Louis, John, Tom, and Nancy). Expecting a lot more greenery after being stationed in Seattle, his first thought upon arrival was how he was going to explain this to his wife. Eventually, he and Marge fell in love with the Richland area and the friendly people and never wanted to leave.
Jerry was involved with Public Health, Radiation Protection, Compliance and Safety but the majority of his work was performed as a health physicist for the Department of Energy where he was involved in the administration of the Hanford Contractor’s radiation protection programs.
He was a lifelong member of the Columbia Chapter of the Health Physics Society, serving as president in 1967, and the National Health Physics Society. He was a trustee of the HM Parker Foundation, which provides scholarships, lectures, and preservation of historical artifacts at WSU Tri-Cities. He was the second recipient of the HM Parker award. In 1988, he received the Richland Operation’s Office Exceptional Service Award.
Jerry was a strong believer in getting regular exercise. Since 1983 he was a devout member of Columbia Basin Racquet Club (CBRC) where he developed many friendships with the members and the staff. “Exercise is the key to life” was his frequent quote. He attended 7638 exercise classes at CBRC and ran thousands of miles.
Jerry was always active in community activities including volunteering at the Richland Food Bank and playing the piano for 12 years at Alterra Assisted Living, which is currently Brookdale. He was also the first one to help when assistance was needed. He loved serving others.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Hannah
Yesberger, and all 5 of his siblings.
Jerry is survived by his loving wife of over 67 years, Marge, four
children: Louie (Connie) Yesberger of
Snohomish, John Yesberger of Seattle, Tom (Chan) Yesberger of Edmonds, and
Nancy (Mark) McAllister of Richland. He
is also survived by 7 grandchildren:
Evan (Jordan) Yesberger of Mt Vernon, Eric Yesberger of Snohomish, Shane
(Alyssa) McAllister of West Richland, Mari (Jeff) Hansen of Spokane, Kevin
McAllister of Seattle, Devon Yesberger of New York, and Priya Yesberger of
Edmonds, in addition to, 4 great grandchildren:
Haylee, Michael, Hannah, and Jacob Hansen.
The family would like to express their gratitude for the exceptional care Jerry received the past few weeks at Brookdale, Kadlec, and Hospice. We also appreciate all the help he received from his many friends, especially the past 4 months. He loved his family and all his friends.
Jerry will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him because of his friendly smile, great wit, personality, and willingness to help those in need. He also had a great love of children, music, and dogs. He taught himself to play the piano and the accordion.
Viewing will be held at Einan’s at Sunset, Tuesday,
September 1, 2015 from 6:30pm to 8:00pm. A memorial service will be held at Events
at Sunset, Wednesday, September 2, 2015 at 11:00 with a light lunch to follow.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of your choice.
Jerry and Marge and family lived across from us on Torbett St. for many years. They were the best neighbors we could ever ask for. Jerry and Marge along with my parents Bill and Bea, Guy (later Boyd) and Leah Sterling and Everett and Betty (later Molly) were best of friends and were always having Bridge parties, helping each other with projects and looking out for all us kids. Not enough can be said about this bond they had as neighbors but it was truly special and I look back on it and smile. Jerry loved to kid and had the greatest smile as he would be prodding you with his latest barb. Loved the man and miss him greatly. Marge and Jerry raised a great family along with all of our families and the memories will stay with me for a lifetime. I visit Marge to this day and she is now the last connection I have with this wonderful moments in time from this generation (The Greatest Generation). Marge is as sweet as ever and seeing her brings back so many happy times all I can do is smile. Love, Tom Albert (The oldest of the Terrors of Torbett (we had six boys :O)
So sorry for your loss. Jerry was such a great NARFE supporter over the years. His friendship will be missed. He never had a bad word to say about anyone and he always remembered his former co-workers.
We were so sorry to read of Jerry’s death. We played many years in a duplicate bridge group with Jerry and Marge and always enjoyed their company. We saw Jerry not too long ago having lunch at the Spudnut Shop and it was good to see him. We send our deepest sympathy to all the family.
Our thoughts and Prayers go out to the Family during this time. Take time to remember all the fun and good times, those memories will be with you for ever. I only Met Jerry a couple times and that was through work but Louie, we have known each other for over 50 years. May God Bless. and be with you all.
I was so sorry to read of Jerry’s passing. Jerry was one of the nicest men I have ever known and a true gentleman. He will be missed in so many ways. My sincere sympathy to family and friends. God’s Blessings.
Jerry was synonymous with love and a glorious smile.
He was a special friend to everyone he met and uplifted friends just in his happy demeanor. Our relationship started over 40+ years ago at CBRC. Our last time together was at a 4th of July 2015 celebration at Guardian Angel Homes where life had taken our families in similar life ending experiences. It was a celebration of mutual love and respect and a lasting memory of “Jerry being Jerry.” A great memory for holding the Yesberger family in our hearts forever. Every day is a good day, even the hard days, when we know in our hearts we have been blessed forever for having known Jerry.
During the 1980’s, while working on Columbia Generating Station emergency drills and exercises conducted under close NRC scrutiny, I had the pleasure of dealing with Jerry. He represented DOE Richland Office interests in our dose assessment center. As the unlikely event scenarios usually included a potential for a simulated radiological release, some of the off-site agencies representatives tended to get very tense. But as Jerry, a highly regarded health physicist, patiently explained away their worries calm prevailed, and NRC gave us a high rating.
Jerry was a dear and long-time family friend, beginning when he worked at the health department with my mother, Bill Cotton. We all loved Jerry. Jerry came forward after my mother died and offered to help look after my father, Willis Cotton. Jerry was a lifesaver and was wonderful to my father, taking him to medical appointments and for weekly grocery shopping at Fred Meyers. I always loved visiting with Marge and Jerry when I was able to be in town. Unfortunately, I have not been able to get to the Tri-Cities for over a year. Our love, prayers and condolences to all in Jerry’s family. He was a shining star to us.
My daughter Nina and I have known Jerry and Marge for over twenty years. He was always kind and open, with his wry wit. I’m so saddened to learn of his passing and send my love to all the family. Our thoughts are with you.
Nancy, I am sorry to hear about the lose of your Dad. My Dad called me last night and told me about it, he always called me after he talked with your Dad to let me know how you and the family were doing. I loved talking with Jerry and you across the fence in the back yard. He was always smiling.
John
Hi, Marge.
I’m sorry! I never knew Jerry, and I haven’t seen you for years, but I enjoyed working with you–how long ago?
I’m sorry you have to go through this.
~Judi Gibbs
Librarian, JCGS (Later WSU-Tri-Cities)
Now living in Seattle
My condolences go out to the entire Yesberger family at this time of sorrow and grief over Jerry’s passing. I have known the Yesberger family for over 60 years as son Louie was my best friend from grade school through high school graduation. Every time I returned to Richland for any reason I always stopped by the house to see Marge and Jerry, they were terrific people and Jerry was most definitely a character with his quick wit and devilish sense of humor. He will be missed by the many that knew him and those that loved him.
Louie, I am so saddened to hear of the loss of your father.
Grace, prayers, strength and peace to you all in his unfathomable time of loss.
Our sincere heartfelt condolences to Gerry’s family and particularly, Mrs. Yesburger.
We did not know of this until today! It is never too late for expressing heartfelt condolences and best wishes to a grieving family. May Gerry’s soul rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Krishna and Pam
So sorry for your loss. Jerry was such a great NARFE supporter over the years. His friendship will be missed. He never had a bad word to say about anyone and he always remembered his former co-workers.
We were so sorry to read of Jerry’s death. We played many years in a duplicate bridge group with Jerry and Marge and always enjoyed their company. We saw Jerry not too long ago having lunch at the Spudnut Shop and it was good to see him. We send our deepest sympathy to all the family.
Our thoughts and Prayers go out to the Family during this time. Take time to remember all the fun and good times, those memories will be with you for ever. I only Met Jerry a couple times and that was through work but Louie, we have known each other for over 50 years. May God Bless. and be with you all.
I was so sorry to read of Jerry’s passing. Jerry was one of the nicest men I have ever known and a true gentleman. He will be missed in so many ways. My sincere sympathy to family and friends. God’s Blessings.
Jerry was synonymous with love and a glorious smile.
He was a special friend to everyone he met and uplifted friends just in his happy demeanor. Our relationship started over 40+ years ago at CBRC. Our last time together was at a 4th of July 2015 celebration at Guardian Angel Homes where life had taken our families in similar life ending experiences. It was a celebration of mutual love and respect and a lasting memory of “Jerry being Jerry.” A great memory for holding the Yesberger family in our hearts forever. Every day is a good day, even the hard days, when we know in our hearts we have been blessed forever for having known Jerry.
During the 1980’s, while working on Columbia Generating Station emergency drills and exercises conducted under close NRC scrutiny, I had the pleasure of dealing with Jerry. He represented DOE Richland Office interests in our dose assessment center. As the unlikely event scenarios usually included a potential for a simulated radiological release, some of the off-site agencies representatives tended to get very tense. But as Jerry, a highly regarded health physicist, patiently explained away their worries calm prevailed, and NRC gave us a high rating.
Jerry was a dear and long-time family friend, beginning when he worked at the health department with my mother, Bill Cotton. We all loved Jerry. Jerry came forward after my mother died and offered to help look after my father, Willis Cotton. Jerry was a lifesaver and was wonderful to my father, taking him to medical appointments and for weekly grocery shopping at Fred Meyers. I always loved visiting with Marge and Jerry when I was able to be in town. Unfortunately, I have not been able to get to the Tri-Cities for over a year. Our love, prayers and condolences to all in Jerry’s family. He was a shining star to us.
My daughter Nina and I have known Jerry and Marge for over twenty years. He was always kind and open, with his wry wit. I’m so saddened to learn of his passing and send my love to all the family. Our thoughts are with you.
Nancy, I am sorry to hear about the lose of your Dad. My Dad called me last night and told me about it, he always called me after he talked with your Dad to let me know how you and the family were doing. I loved talking with Jerry and you across the fence in the back yard. He was always smiling.
John
Hi, Marge.
I’m sorry! I never knew Jerry, and I haven’t seen you for years, but I enjoyed working with you–how long ago?
I’m sorry you have to go through this.
~Judi Gibbs
Librarian, JCGS (Later WSU-Tri-Cities)
Now living in Seattle
My condolences go out to the entire Yesberger family at this time of sorrow and grief over Jerry’s passing. I have known the Yesberger family for over 60 years as son Louie was my best friend from grade school through high school graduation. Every time I returned to Richland for any reason I always stopped by the house to see Marge and Jerry, they were terrific people and Jerry was most definitely a character with his quick wit and devilish sense of humor. He will be missed by the many that knew him and those that loved him.
Louie, I am so saddened to hear of the loss of your father.
Grace, prayers, strength and peace to you all in his unfathomable time of loss.
Our sincere heartfelt condolences to Gerry’s family and particularly, Mrs. Yesburger.
We did not know of this until today! It is never too late for expressing heartfelt condolences and best wishes to a grieving family. May Gerry’s soul rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Krishna and Pam
I am so saddened by Jerry’s passing. He was an amazing man and I will miss him greatly.
Guestbook for
Jerry Yesberger