Geraldine “Jerie” Gagner
Geraldine Gagner
Geraldine “Jerie” Gagner: March 16, 1931 – February 4, 2023.
At 91 years old, our beloved mother, and dear friend to many, passed over to the Light and the Love of our Lord Jesus Christ. She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard “Dick” Gagner and her oldest daughter Paula Marie Gagnier. We know she is delighted to once again be in their company.
She is survived by her adult children Rick (Jeanette) Gagner, Kevin (Diane) Gagner, Craig (Donna) Gagner, Connie (Jon) Granberg and Christopher Gagner. She is also survived by her six grandchildren, as well as three great-grandchildren.
Jerie was raised in Yakima, WA as Jerie Kirk, and graduated from Saint Joseph’s Academy. Mom was the youngest of four daughters, raised by our grandmother Hilda Kirk. She was preceded in passing by her mother Hilda, and sisters Delores, Adlerose, and Phyllis.
She worked for the telephone company in her early years after high school, then married Dick Gagner just before he began his second hitch in the Army, having been reactivated from the reserves during the Korean war. She was a dental assistant during his time in the army.
They began their family of six children between Seattle and Yakima, eventually settling in the Yakima Valley, to get us all “up and running in a more spacious and easier-going environment” they termed it. We had a ball! Mom loved to fish and gave us lots of pointers. She also loved ice skating, and always looked forward to the Olympic figure skating competitions. Having been raised in a family of all girls, Mom enjoyed and supported the outdoor hunting and fishing activities of four boys (she did not, however, appreciate the bullsnakes we captured and brought home.)
Mom was ahead of her time in many ways – Back in the 70’s she got involved in playing guitar, (ensuring we had guitars and lessons), Yoga and light meditation, and health food, as well as some oil painting. (Excellent coping strategies with so many teenagers sprouting up all around her…)
In 1979 She went back to school at Lower Columbia Basin Community College where she completed training and licensure in Massage Therapy. She practiced deep muscle massage therapy, foot reflexology as well as some acupressure techniques out of her home for quite a few years. She helped many people in the process.
She loved the ocean and the mountains, and proudly purchased her own vacation home in Packwood, WA where family and friends enjoyed many years of recreating at White Pass and Mt Rainier.
Through all the adventurous years the six of us had with her, growing up into adulthood, it was a great delight for us was to share in the wonderful, close friendships she and Dad maintained through the years as well as the bonds of our own friendships she encouraged; many from childhood, and still to this day. She treasured all of those dear friends, and we do too. You are All a Great Blessing.
Please come and celebrate her wonderful life and loving memories with us on April 29th, 2023 at Cascade Gardens in Yakima, at 1:00.
10 Responses to “Geraldine “Jerie” Gagner”
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Sure do miss you Mom –
And as you always told us to say, “Thanks for the nice time!” and I truly mean it.
Please give Dad and Paula a kiss and I’ll see you all whenever Jesus thinks it might be time.
Love you always, and thank you again so very, very much,
Connie
Connie, that was a great euolgy. I truly loved your Mom as she was always very nice to me, even after Paula and I divorced. I always had the feeling after talking to your Mom , that she had a better grasp on life than I ever did. She will be missed, BUT she will be welcomed in Heaven, for sure.
I had called you after Judy had called and let me know your Mom had passed.
If you get a chance give me a give when you have time to talk for a few minutes.
Well wishes.
Glen
509 551 9869
Jerie was a sparkle every time I saw her. So funny and warm, like all of the Gagner family. Connie and I became friends in high school, our parents also being high school friends. Love you, Con. Much love and sympathy to all of you! ❤️
Sincere condolences to the Gagner family.
Craig and Donna,
Thinking of you and remembering good times
Beautiful tribute to your mom!! I did not have the pleasure of meeting your beautiful mother, but know that she did so many things right, as she raised you Connie!! Praying for peace for you, Jon and your family as you adjust to life with your mother awaiting you in heaven.
Dear Gagner Family, I’m so sorry for your loss. You have my deepest condolences. Your mom did a great co-parenting job raising a beautiful family. Reading about her and all that she achieved and experienced in her life sounds like she was a very unique and special woman. I hope you find peace in your heart’s with all your cherished memories and knowing that your parent’s and Paula are together again. Tom always loved to share stories of times spent at the Gagner home, he and Chris spent many days together and he thought the world of your family. Now he can reminisce with your folks about all those good times. You’re all in my heart and thoughts.
Beautiful tribute to such a beautiful lady. I feel so privileged to have shared so many wonderful memories, especially over the last years we’ve had her here with us in Redmond. She was always so thrilled to see me. Such sweet memories I will cherish forever. Priceless. Thank you so much for sharing her.
Aunt Gerie i’m going to miss you so much. I remember when I was a small child and we visited you on Alkai beach and I picked up a jelly fish and brought it over for you to look at it. You said put that down it can sting you. All the Toasted cheese sandwiches you used to make when all of us kids were all together. The family parties and Holiday get togethers as we all grew up. I especially enjoyed the time when you were older and you lived on the West side in Yakima and we went to lunch and had talks about life. I’m glad I had you for my Aunt. Please say hello to Paula, Grandma and Mom and Dad and Kirky…Love always!❤️❤️❤️
I’m so grateful for Jerie’s generous heart and inclusive spirit. She makes a lovely difference in my life.