Jerry Schaefer passed peacefully with family by his side on Saturday January 4, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer. 

He was born in Chehalis, WA to David and Rosalie Schaefer and spent his school years in Winlock on the farm. A 1978 graduate from Mt St. Helens High School, Jerry continued his education at ITT Business School where he met the love of his life, Terry Ricks. They married on the eve of Mt St. Helens’ eruption in 1980 and treasured all 44 years spent together. His working career began with Weyerhaeuser, and for the next 30 years he enjoyed traveling around the US installing and instructing on machinery for Container Board manufacturing. He was the consummate volunteer at work, acting as emcee at the corporate Christmas parties where he would announce Santa arriving via helicopter, acting as the Easter Bunny, and involved in organizing Family Fun Days. Jerry worked for a few other paper companies before his retirement from Longview-based KapStone in 2016. 

It was 1988 when Jerry bought his own 5-acre piece of paradise just outside of Auburn where he and Terry raised their wonderful sons, Christopher and Andrew. Jerry was always involved in their sports and activities throughout these growing years. As a Boy Scout Leader he was instrumental in guiding both boys thru achieving the rank of Eagle Scout, along with several other members of Troop 525. With Venture Troop 525, he continued his love of the outdoors with his boys, taking them off on multiple adventures such as floating the Rogue River, rock wall climbing, mountain climbs, ropes courses, and exploration trips as far away as Alaska. 

Following retirement and coming home to his little farm, Jerry began his love for woodworking and delighted on gifting his beautiful cutting boards to friends and family. His desire to belong to community led to his volunteering with Emanuel Food Pantry, joining the Knights of Columbus, and spending a lot of all his time with the St. Andrew Men’s Club supporting the good community work they do.  

Jerry’s time was precious, and he chose to spend it wisely - with family and friends. He was so proud of the amazing tree house he built for and enjoyed with the grandchildren. He loved his monthly meetings with fellow Weyerhaeuser retirees, and he met every couple of months with his old St Theresa’s men’s fast pitch baseball team. Some of Jerry’s most treasured moments in retirement were spent volunteering in his grandchildren’s classrooms at Shaw Road Elementary. 

Jerry leaves behind his wife Terry, sons Christopher (Becky), Andrew (Matt) and adored grandchildren Nathaniel, Gretchen and Joanna. His siblings Ron, Karen, John (Ann), Karl, Denise (Sean), Don, Micheal (Kelly), and Paul (Sandra). Numerous nieces, nephews, God daughters Breena and Katie, and numerous cousins and friends across the US. A very special thanks to Kline Galland Hospice for the care and love given to Jerry. 

Services will be held Friday, January 24, 2025 at St Andrew Catholic Church, 1401 Valley Ave., Sumner, WA, with a 10:30am Rosary and Mass following at 11am.  

In Lieu of Flowers, donations can be made to the Emmanuel Food Pantry at St. Andrew Catholic Church, or to the Puget Sound Goat Rescue.