Gerald Fikse

On the evening of Dec. 6, 2014, Gerald Fikse, age 83, passed away peacefully in his sleep at Careage of Whidbey in Coupeville, Wash.

Gerald was born Dec. 21, 1930, in Iowa to the Rev. Edward and Ella Fikse. Gerald moved to Oak Harbor as a teenager and married local girl and love of his life Janet Vander Werfhorst in 1951.

Gerald and Janet opened Gerald’s Jewelry in 1958. They worked happily, side by side, for nearly 50 years until retiring and passing the reins of the family business onto their son Dave.

Gerald enjoyed golfing, gardening and tending the roses in his yard. During their retirement, Gerald and Janet were able to travel a bit to visit distant brothers and sisters. Gerald had seven brothers and sisters, and they, along with their spouses, were all able to make it for a very memorable and special cruise to Alaska 10 years ago.

Gerald and Janet were extremely loving grandparents, and they loved to attend their grandson’s baseball games.

From T-ball though high school, they’d set up their folding lawn chairs and cheer from the sidelines.

At age 75, Gerald searched through the woods to find his grandson’s first grand slam home run ball. Gerald had a huge smile on his face as he proudly tossed the ball to the dugout.

Gerald was also an avid Seahawks and Mariners fan. He could tell you about every player, quarter and inning, and he watched every game. As a resident of Regency in Oak Harbor, he wore his Seahawks 2014 Superbowl jacket proudly, even on warm summer days. He also loved to sing to the residents and staff. Even in his last days, he would sing hymns in his deep baritone voice with the nurses at Careage.

After 62 years of marriage, Janet passed away in March 2013. But Gerald is survived by his son, Dave, and daughter-in-law, Jane; his grandsons, Josh, Matt and Ben, of Oak Harbor; and his daughter, Jerilyn, of Bonney Lake.

His brothers, Everett, Ed and Gene Fikse, of California, were able to come one last time this past September to see their brother. He is also survived by his sisters, Grace, Eleanore and Jeannette, along with many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A memorial service for Gerald will be held at 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 15, at Whidbey Presbyterian Church in Oak Harbor.

A private family graveside service will precede at Maple Leaf Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made in Gerald’s name to Whidbey Presbyterian Church, 1148 SE Eighth Ave., Oak Harbor. Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com