Gerald Vern Gerritz Sr.

Gerald Vern “Gerry” Gerritz passed away on April 2, 2016, in Astoria, Oregon, where he was born to Peter and Lillian Gerritz on May 20, 1923.

He married Eleanor Tienhaara on Nov. 11, 1942. They were married for 45 years until her passing in 1988.

He served with the 91st Infantry Division during World War II in North Africa and Europe.

He was a longshoreman, commercial fisherman and jack-of-all-trades. Gerry loved fishing, hunting, clam digging, crabbing, camping and traveling.

He is survived by his son Gerry Gerritz of Fairview; his daughter Dee-Elina Rees of Portland; his daughter Christine Smith of Eugene; three grandsons and three granddaughters; and four great-grandsons and four great granddaughters. His love in his later years, Betty Tygart, graciously cared for him, and was by his side to the end.

The graveside service will be May 20 at 11 a.m. at Ocean View Cemetery. Family, union brothers and friends are invited to a reception at 1 p.m. at the ILWU Local 50 hiring hall, 491 Industry St., Astoria, Oregon.

Charitable donations can be made in Gerry’s honor to the ILWU Local 50 Astoria High School Scholarship Inc. fund.

Caldwell’s Luce-Layton Mortuary in Astoria is in charge of the arrangements. An online guest book may be signed at www.caldwellsmortuary.com