Gerald ‘Gerry’ Dean Isaacson: June 23, 1936 – March 4, 2019

Gerald “Gerry” Dean Isaacson passed away at home surrounded by family on March 4, 2019, at the age of 82.

Gerry was born June 23, 1936, at home in Bertrand, Neb., to Reuben and Lottie Isaacson. Gerry’s father was a mortician in Holdrege, Neb.

He grew up with his sister Beverly Hake, now deceased, and his brothers Carol, Wayne and Warren Isaacson. Warren is the only one left living.

Gerry married his high school sweetheart, Betty Lou Yerion, on June 1, 1958.

This past June, they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary.

Betty and Gerry had three sons: Perry (Georgia), Jeffrey and Christopher (Jill). They were also foster parents to Dale Sylvester and Richard Hagel Jr. (Lovie), whom they raised from young ages. Betty and Gerry were foster parents for over 29 years.

Gerry was a U.S. Navy veteran and served in the Vietnam war as a crewman navigator in the A-3 Skywarrior at Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. After his time in the service, Gerry worked for the Civil Service from the time he got out of the Navy until he retired as a GMO of the air traffic control center. While working in Civil Service he went back to college on his G.I. Bill to become an electronics engineer. He attended school at nights while working during the day and raising his family and foster children.

Gerry served his country and community for many years serving on many committees and boards and doing community services for the youth of the city. He was well loved in the community.

Gerry is survived by his wife, five boys, 10 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, March 23, 2019, at the Oak Harbor Church of the Nazarene, 1100 W. Whidbey Ave. A graveside service will follow at Sunnyside Cemetery. Family and friends are encouraged to leave memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com