Biography

Gerald “Jerry” Edward Strode age 81, of Kettle Falls, Washington passed away on June 21, 2012. Jerry was born on March 1, 1931 in Copan, Oklahoma to William and Rose (Troxell) Strode.
Growing up Jerry spent many years with his favorite uncle, Ray Troxell in Bartlesville Oklahoma, where he attended school. He remained in Oklahoma until he enlisted in the United States Army in 1948 and served two years in Okinawa, Japan from 1950 – 1952. A year after he returned home he met and married Erma Merkey. Together they had two sons David and Paul and were later divorced in 1965. He eventually moved away from the south in 1965, when he ventured north to Anchorage, Alaska. In 1969 he met and married the love of his life, Alice. After moving several times Jerry and Alice finally settled in Kettle Falls, Washington in 1995 Jerry joined the Masonic Lodge in the 1960’s and remained a member until his death.
Always a hard working man, Jerry was not only an active member of the police force for a number of years but also worked in the oil fields. He enjoyed spending his time hunting, fishing and maintaining his garden. As all his family and friends know, know some of his greatest joys were his dogs, old cars and listening to country music. It was said that he never met a stranger, no matter where he lived. Jerry cherished all of his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren though he was unable to meet and spend time with all of his great grandchildren.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Alice; sister, Wilma; sons, David, Walt and Mike of AK, Paul and wife, Fran of TX; daughters, Joyce of AK and Gale and husband, Chuck of Colville, WA; Tony and wife, Judy of AK, who he loved as his son; close friend, Dan of Kettle Falls, WA; 17 grandchildren; 23 great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.