Gerald Marcus Visser

Gerald Marcus Visser, 83, of East Wenatchee, WA, went to be with his Lord and Savior on December 14, 2010, at Bonaventure Assisted Living in East Wenatchee. Gerald was born to Garritt Anna and Martha Emma Visser on July 22, 1927, on the family homestead, near Havillah, WA. Gerald attended grade school at the Bonaparte school house and went to high school in Tonasket. He graduated from Tonasket High School in 1945, at which time, he enlisted in the military. After serving two years in the Army, Gerald enrolled at Washington State College in Pullman, WA, where he played Junior Varsity Basketball for the Cougars. One year later, he transferred to Eastern Washington College of Education in Cheney, WA, where he played Varsity Basketball for the Eagles. Gerald graduated from Eastern with a Bachelor of Arts in Education in 1951. He began his teaching career in Inchelium, WA; later transferring to Tonasket High School, where he taught for several years. Gerald moved to St. Louis, MO and established an Industrial Arts program at Lutheran High School Central. He met his wife of 50 years, Ruth, while in St. Louis; they were married on June 22, 1957. Gerald completed his Graduate Degree in 1962, receiving a Masters of Science in Industrial Education from Stout State College in Menomeni, WI. While in St. Louis, he transferred to Lutheran High School North and continued teaching Industrial Arts and coaching basketball and baseball until 1967. Changing careers, Gerald took a job with Central Pattern Co., a St. Louis company specializing in the production of patterns and molds. He worked as a Draftsman and Foundry Supervisor there until his return to the Northwest. In 1972, Gerald moved to East Wenatchee, WA, where he purchased the family orchard, which he worked until his retirement in 1992. While in East Wenatchee, Gerald also worked as an Estimator and Project Superintendant for both Battermann Engineering and Grashuis Builders. As an active member of Faith Lutheran Church, Gerald served as Congregational President, Church Elder and was a faithful leader of the men's morning Bible study. He was involved in the church building programs and, as his last contribution, he designed and built the wood cross for the new sanctuary. Gerald was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Ruth; and his brothers, Julius, Hugh, Roy and Marlowe. He is survived by his sons, Garritt of East Wenatchee and Philip of Eagle, ID; grandsons, Garritt, Jr., Evan and Nicholas; his brother, Bob of Roseville, CA; sister, Emma of Tonasket, WA; brothers, Ray of Havillah, WA, Wesley of East Wenatchee, Dwight of Fruitvale, BC and Dwayne of East Wenatchee; along with numerous nieces and nephews. Graveside Services were held at 1:00 p.m., Wednesday, December 22, 2010, at Evergreen Memorial Park, with a Memorial Service following at Faith Lutheran Church, both in East Wenatchee. Memorials may be given to the Faith Lutheran Church Building Fund, 171 Eastmont Avenue, East Wenatchee, WA 98802. Arrangements by Telford's Chapel of the Valley, East Wenatchee.

Gerald Marcus Visser

July 22, 1927 - December 14, 2010