Gerald “Jerry” Richard Zylstra
August 25, 1948 – August 16, 2025
Gerald Richard Zylstra
On Saturday August 16, 2025, Jerry Zylstra, 76, of Lynnwood, WA passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Jerry was born in Portland Oregon on August 25, 1948, and moved to Oak Harbor, WA in 1950 where he graduated high school. He attended college at Skagit River College, University of Washington, and Central Washington University where he earned a BA in Engineering. He married Karen in May of 1992, gaining three teenage daughters. He worked at Eldec for 25 years before semi-retiring in 2001. After retiring he spent his time helping others and spending time with family.
Jerry was a kind and gentle soul, known for his compassion and unwavering support. He loved airplanes, fishing, bird hunting, water skiing and singing in the church choir. Family was especially important to Jerry. He spent his summers working on the farm with his Uncle Lowell. He earned the nickname “Papa Taxi” as he loved all his time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren even if was just carting them around.
Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Jean Zylstra and grandson Tyler Jameson. He is survived by his wife Karen Zylstra, children Brandi (Darrin) Wallace, Heather (Sean) Jameson, Bimmie Logue, grandchildren Trittney Northey, Taylor (Justin) Sharber, Harley Logue, Tiffany Jameson, Tommy Wallace, 3 great grandchildren Zane Combs, Kinsey Sharber and Zayla Combs, sisters Marilyn Hill, Donna (Leon) Sandberg, and several cousins, nieces and nephews.
Jerry, you are now at peace singing with the angels, but you will live on forever in our hearts. We love you so much.
The memorial service will be held Saturday September 13th, 2025, at 1pm at Alderwood Community Church, 3403 Alderwood Mall Blvd, Lynnwood, WA 98036. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Alzheimer’s Association or American Cancer Society in Jerry Zylstra’s name.
6 Responses to “Gerald “Jerry” Richard Zylstra”
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Glory to God for all the love, kindness, help, singing, smiles, positiveness, and fun that you brought to our lives, Jerry. Thank you. I’m glad that you are singing with Jesus now. Bless all your families. In great appreciation, Freda Magee
Karen, my heart goes out to you and your family. My our Father in heaven comfort you. Marla
Life has lead me so many directions. As a nurse I followed my heart in a new direction! It lead me to caring for people who have taught and touched my heart, like Jerry. I knew right away he was a special man, emotionally and spiritually!
Heartfelt appreciation for his family and especially his wife Karen, during such a difficult time.
As always, Pamela
Karen, so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Joyce
Jerry and I became instant friends as I was a farm kid from Eastern Washington. After marrying my wife Hilory we moved over to Seattle area for a couple years. While there, I got to know Jerry and Karen. Jerry and I had many hour long conversations about farming! He was always so sincerely interested in how my family farm operation was ran and all other interests in my life. You could tell Jerry was very intelligent and was always searching for new knowledge! He was the kindest soul I have ever met as he volunteered his precious time to help Hilory and I and by this time our son logan move back to eastern Washington. Where of course, he got to drive and inspect everything our farm had to offer! The world needs more people like Jerry and I’ll never forget him!
For Jerry, my beloved big brother, you were such a rare person…
your faith never wavered, you deeply loved your family, you consistently showed kindness, you served others in the most practical and needed ways as you genuinely cared about people.
The joy you found in your many interests and skills made you so interesting and able to easily connect with others.
I miss you so much and it’s surreal you are not here but we will meet again. I love you.