Gerald "Jerry" Paul Oliver

Gerald “Jerry” Oliver was born May 9, 1942 and passed away on June 19, 2025 surrounded by family. Jerry was born in Denver, CO to Roy and Elaine Oliver. He had 2 brothers, Bill and Jim Oliver, and one sister Peggy.

Jerry joined the Navy in the early 60s and served on the USS Philip. He had plans to extend his enlistment, but his father suffered a heart attack and he decided to be discharged from the military to care for him. Following the military, he had many jobs including working with is father in insurance.

In 1970, Jerry met Brenda Butler who he went on to marry. They remained married until his death and would’ve celebrated 55 years of marriage this year. They moved from Blackfoot to Idaho Falls where Jerry began his lifelong career at the site AKA INEL. He worked as a Maintenance Mechanic, and was later over the apprenticeship program. It was at the stie, where he met his lifelong dear friend, Gaylen, who he kept in touch with right up until his passing. We laughed at their later phone conversations because both are hard of hearing and it was mostly just a lot of yelling and “ I can’t hear you so I’ll call you later”

He also went on to serve as the President of 0652 Oil, Chemical and Atomic Workers, a role that brought him great joy, many trips, too much alcohol and countless friends. He took no $%&* and they knew it.

In 1974, they welcomed their daughter, Corie and in 1979, a son, Rusty. They made their home in the outskirts of Idaho Falls on a small acreage. Their life was filled with horses, pigs, chickens, rabbits, ducks, donkeys, and whatever other animal that the kids couldn’t live without.

The family enjoyed their times in Island Park at a family cabin, where they would hunt, fish and share many laughs around the fire. Jerry and Brenda had many vintage cars that they would restore and go on car tours with. Corie remembers her mom would make them all clothing to fit the era of the cars which she found embarrassing at the time. Rusty just went along with whatever.

Jerry and Brenda had many friends they spent time with and began to enjoy going to rendezvous. Brenda made Jerry and her special leather clothing that fit the rendezvous venue and they had some of their fondest memories going to them.

The family went on many vacations, mostly to the Oregon Coast, Redwoods and Disneyland. There were also trips to Canada, WA, MT, WY, ND, SD, CO, UT, AZ, NV, Mexico. They spend most summers camping and riding 4 wheelers. He loved teaching his kids how to shoot black powder guns and fish.

In 1993, Jerry took early retirement and the family relocated to Oregon for a short time. They realized that OR wasn’t where they wanted to be and moved to Nampa, ID.

In 1999, they welcomed their first grandson, Kaeden. Boy, was he the light of his grandparent’s life. God knew exactly what the family needed and blessed them with Kaeden. Kaeden loved to play jokes on his grandpa and he always got one over on him.

In 2006, they welcomed a daughter in law, Laura to the family. Jerry and Laura liked to joke with each other and he was very happy to have her as his son’s wife.

In 2016, they welcomed their second grandson Xander. Jerry loved Xander and spending any time that he could with him. He enjoyed being able to take trips and being with Xander was a very special time to him.

They later welcomed a bonus grandson, Jose. Jose always took care of his grandparents and enjoyed being able to hang out with them any tine that he could.

Jerry’s true joy in life was his grandsons and how proud he was of them. He loved to brag about all of them.

Jerry’s passion was being a veteran and helping veterans. He was part of the American Legion and responsible for proper disposal of retired flags. He was so proud to do that.

As of his request, there will be no service. Family will do a private spreading of ashes at a later date.