Gerald (Jerry) Fehringer
Age 92
Died: April 17, 2024
Raised in Humphrey, Nebraska by parents Lawrence and Mary Fehringer he was the oldest of four children. Gerald is survived by two sisters, Doris and Sylvia. His other sister, Kathy, preceded him in death. He married Virginia Klas at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Nampa, Idaho in 1951.
Gerald’s career centered around John Deere Company. His father and uncle owned a John Deere dealership where dad worked and learned the farm implement business from an early age. A few years after moving to Nampa as a young adult he continued his career with John Deere Co. in the Boise, Idaho sales branch. When that branch office later closed he was transferred to the Portland, Oregon sales branch. He worked there from 1961 until retirement from the position of Complete Goods Coordinator.
Gerald was a lifelong outdoor enthusiast who thoroughly enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping with his wife, four sons and many family friends. Many winter weekends and summer vacations were devoted to fishing for steelhead and trout on the Sandy and Metolius Rivers in Oregon with young boys in tow. Each fall season was dedicated to deer and elk hunting. His skills in these pursuits have been passed on through the generations.
Shortly after retirement Gerald and his wife Virginia began making annual September pilgrimages to the Rogue River in southwest Oregon to fish for fall chinook salmon. They were joined by their sons, their son’s families and several family friends. This tradition continued for 33 consecutive years. Numerous years were highly successful and scores of salmon went home with Gerald and Virginia, much to the delight of many salmon eating friends. Good camaraderie as well as many jokes and pranks made this a special event.
Gerald and Virginia also spent 20 summer seasons at Arrowhead Campground in Cascade, Idaho in their motor home. Here they made many more friends and developed the hobby of woodcarving. Several large totem poles in the campground are a result of his work. He also enjoyed carving cowboy caricatures with many of these adorning their places of residence.
Gerald is survived by his wife, their four sons and daughter-in-laws, Russ (Colleen), Dave (Nora), Rich (Vicky), and Ron (Valerie); nine grandchildren and eleven great grandchildren.
We sons are grateful to our father and mother for our wonderful childhood, solid home life, values and faith, as well as the continued love and support we have received throughout our lives. We additionally wish to thank Touchmark at Meadow Lake Village Assisted Living in Meridian, Idaho for their loving care and attention to our father and also Keystone Hospice for their assistance.
Gerald’s funeral service will be held on Friday, May 17th at 1:00 pm at St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 510 W. Roosevelt Ave. in Nampa, Idaho. A rosary will precede the funeral service on Thursday, May 16th at 7:00 pm at Bowman Funeral Parlor in Garden City, Idaho.
In lieu of flowers please consider making donations to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Gerald’s name. This may be accomplished via their website or by mail at: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Arrangements are under the direction of Bowman Funeral Parlor of Garden City.