Gerald Lee Anderson

Gerald (Jerry) Lee Anderson, 80, passed away on September 3, 2026, at his home after spending the last 18 months of his life courageously enduring the final stages of Parkinson’s disease.

Jerry was born April 29, 1946, in Mason City (Coulee Dam), Washington, the only child of Eugene Anderson and Genevieve Kopp Anderson. When he was five years old, the family moved to Spokane, Washington. He led an adventurous, fun-filled childhood with many friends from the Spokane Valley. Roaming and exploring the hills near his home, hunting, fishing, and sledding occupied his days. He was educated in Spokane Valley schools and graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1964. He attended Walla Walla College for one year before enlisting in the U.S. Navy.

Jerry loved cars. His dad bought him his first of many cars, a well-used Model A Ford, when he was in the fourth grade. As teenagers, he and his friends organized the Downshifters Car Club of Spokane. Almost every night was spent “cruising” downtown Spokane. Of all his cars, his favorite was his ’56 Chevy. To finance his car habit, he spent his teenage years working at Rosauer’s Grocery.

In 1965, Jerry and a friend enlisted in the Navy. He spent four years serving as a communications officer aboard the USS Annapolis and the USS Coral Sea. Much of this time was spent in the waters of Vietnam, where he relayed top-secret messages to the commanders in-country Vietnam.

Jerry’s career was in retail sales. He worked for REI in Seattle, where he outfitted mountain climbing expeditions and volunteered in the community. He was awarded Coach of the Year at Seattle Boys Club. He moved to Idaho Falls, where he was a manager at Herman’s Sporting Goods, and later retired from Kroger, Inc.

Jerry joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints in January 1988. He married Vicki Orchard (Bitner) in November 1990, and they were later sealed in the Idaho Falls Temple in June 1992. Following retirement, they served together for five years as service missionaries at the Home Storage Center.

Jerry was a generous, kind-hearted man who many times secretly gave money, food, or toys to those in need. He was a lover of animals, and every stray cat knew where to come for food. He was a doting, devoted grandfather whose grandchildren have numerous beautiful memories to share.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Vicki Bitner Anderson of Idaho Falls; his sons: Christopher Anderson of Seattle, Washington, and Brady Orchard (Camille) of Ucon, Idaho; his grandchildren: Skye (Jill), Tanner (Nicole), Dallin (Madison), and Jarrod; and his great-grandchildren, Bastian, Charlie, Cody, and Hallie.

Graveside services will be held at 1:00 p.m., September 18, 2026, at the Ucon Cemetery under the direction of Coltrin Mortuary, 2100 First Street, Idaho Falls. Condolences may be sent to the family online at www.coltrinmortuary.com.

The family expresses much gratitude to his hospice nurse, Leah Mauldin, and his aide, Crimson Leichty, of Enhabit Hospice. Their love and care were exceptional. The love and kindness shown by countless friends and neighbors, especially over the past 18 months, will forever be cherished.