Obituary of Jerry Allen McKusker

Jerry Allen McKusker, 77, died on Thursday, August 20, 2020, at St. Peter Hospital in Olympia, Washington. He was born on May 22, 1943, in Santa Cruz, California, to Jerold “Ted” McKusker and Virginia (Giblin) McKusker.  He graduated from San Jose High School in 1960.  Within the next year, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, and served as a Machinist Mate from 1961 to 1965, assigned to the oiler USS Chipola.  He was in the Bay of Tonkin several times, and was stationed in Pearl Harbor when not on tour.  He took great pride in his time of service in the Navy and as a Vietnam veteran.

 

Jerry met Marian Wallace while in Hawaii in 1964, and they married in Reno, Nevada, on October 29, 1965.  Fall of 2020 would have been 55 years of marriage.  Jerry was a devout husband and remains the love of Marian’s life.  He will be very missed by Marian and their daughters, Carol Kent (Russ), Tammy Boone (Scott); and their grandchildren, Ethan, Helen, and Maria Boone.  Jerry lived for his grandchildren, and was so proud of their accomplishments and bragged about them constantly.  He swelled with pride when he heard that his grandson, Ethan, would be serving as an officer in the Navy, and going to flight school.

 

Jerry worked for ATT/Comcast beginning in 1966, then retired from Comcast in 2002.  He also worked for the Washington House of Representatives as a security guard for four years.  Jerry was very active in the community, most recently working at Washington State American Legion #101 on Ruddle Road in Lacey.  He was also a member of the Olympia Elks Club #186, and was Exalted Ruler for one year, and was the president of the Past Exalted Rulers.

 

He enjoyed volunteering at St. Andrews United Methodist Church in Lacey, Washington, whenever he was needed, be it BBQing, cooking, dishes or whatever.  He loved attending church with Marian.

 

He loved to travel, fish, woodwork, snow ski, play poker, read, listen to music, watch old movies, and spend time with his family.  Some say his only fault was that he was a 49ers fan and, on Sunday mornings, he would count the minutes until NFL RedZone. He was genuinely funny, happy, kind, compassionate, and was a great friend to all who knew him.  Any server in a restaurant was graced with his witty and numerous comebacks.  He never hesitated to lend a helping hand and support anyone in need.  Being late was never an option for Jerry; in fact, he was known for arriving surprisingly early to any event, appointment, or commitment.  He was especially patient with Marian, ensuring that she, too, would be on time. 

 

Jerry will always be remembered for his wisdom, generosity, and positivity.  He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather.  He was very passionate about his family.  They always came first and foremost in his life.  We love and miss him thisssss much!

 

In honor of Jerry, please consider a donation to Washington Elks Therapy for Kids at Olympia Elks #186, 1818 4^th Ave. East, Olympia, WA 98506.

 

Jerry’s Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 14, 2021, 2:00 p.m. at Olympia Elks #186, #186, 1818 4^th Ave. East, Olympia, WA 98506. We will celebrate his life and his impact on family and friends while he was with us.  The celebration will be in keeping with the friendly, casual, optimistic and easy way he lived.

 

He was inurned at Tahoma National Cemetery in Kent, Washington.

 

We love and miss you, Jerry!!

 

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