Gerald Dale Wacker

In 1953, their first daughter, Nancy, was born. In 1954, Jerry and family were transferred to Fort Wayne, Ind., where he set up a branch office for Norden Lab. While managing the lab, he took classes at Indiana University and Purdue. In 1956, his second daughter, Vickie, was born.

In 1959, Jerry and Jerrie bought their first home in New Haven, Ind., and there he formed the home owners’ association, joined the Jaycees, and organized a swim team. In 1961, their son Bart was born.

After many years in Indiana, Norden transferred Jerry to Hillsboro, Ore., where he worked until retirement after 35 years with the company. He attended Portland State and was a volunteer with the Crisis Center in Portland for two years.

Jerry loved adventure. He spent time traveling, camping, fishing and hunting, many of these trips were shared with wife, Jerrie, daughters, Nancy and Vickie, and son, Bart.

Jerry retired to Hood River, Ore., in 1994 and spent time building their last home. Jerry also spent time in various parts of the world — the Amazon River in Peru, climbed mountains in Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, many trips to Alaska, hiked the Appalachian Trail, plus many trips within the U.S.A. Jerry and his wife also enjoyed many leisure trips to Hawaii, Germany and Austria. The family made several trips to the Oregon Coast. Jerry volunteered at the Discovery Center in The Dalles, identifying and logging artifacts for more than six years. He was also a volunteer at the Carousel Museum, taught swimming to handicap adults and kids at the Hood River pool and was a volunteer for Pine Grove School for fifth grade field trips.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Jerrie, of Hood River, daughter Vickie Sciacca (Ben) of Stevenson, Wash., daughter Nancy Ericson (Howard) of Columbus, Ohio, son Bart Wacker of Beaverton, grandchildren Clint Bradshaw (Sarah), Kendal Cederstam, Nathan Ericson (Megan), Matthew Ericson (Ailisha), David Ericson (Betsy), Joel Ericson and Nicholas Sargent, and great-grandchildren Bradley Ericson, Olive Ericson, Deacon Ericson, Dexter Ericson, Cougar Ericson and Jody Ericson. He was preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Sarah Wacker, and sister Nancy Hesson.

Disposition was by cremation, with his ashes being sprinkled around his garden and along the Oregon Coast, which he loved. A celebration of Jerry's life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Jerry's honor to the Cancer Society for Pancreatic Cancer research and to the Heart of Hospice in Hood River.

The family wishes to thank all of the wonderful people at the Heart of Hospice and Bobbi's Way who took such loving care of Jerry.

Arrangements are under the direction of Anderson's Tribute Center (Funerals • Receptions • Cremations), 1401 Belmont Ave., Hood River. Visit www. AndersonsTributeCenter.com to leave a note of condolence for the family.