May 17, 1943- Aug. 31, 2018
Gerald “Jerry” Walter Walvatne, 75, of Sweet Home, died Aug. 31, 2018 of complications from a stroke.
He was born May 17, 1943 in Seattle, Wash., to Walter and Helen (Reynolds) Walvatne. He was raised in Seattle, graduating from Lincoln High School in 1962.
Mr. Walvatne served in the U.S. Army from 1965 to 1969, when he was stationed in Germany.
In 1972 he met and married Carolyn (Carol) Rezek. They were married on July 24, 1972 in Seattle. They later adopted their son Cody.
Mr. Walvatne worked in Seattle for Boeing Aircraft for 35 years, as a painter/pressman, retiring in 2001. He also worked at the Seattle Mariners and Seattle Seahawks stadium for several years.
He and Carol then moved to her hometown of Sweet Home. Upon moving to Sweet Home, he began working at the Bohemian Club Tavern and continued for three years.
The Bohemian was a favorite place of relaxation for Mr. Walvatne. He also volunteered for the Oregon Jamboree in the beer garden for several years.
In his youth, Mr. Walvatne was an avid fisherman. He also enjoyed watching his Washington teams play baseball and football and he enjoyed playing pool. He was a member of the Sweet Home VFW. His dogs Chica and Lily were very dear to him.
Mr. Walvatne is survived by his wife Carol of Sweet Home; sons Cody and daughter-in-law Debbie of Sweet Home, Shane of Seattle and Bhrett Laland of Sweet Home; and siblings Donn and sister-in-law Robin Walvatne of Twisp, Wash.; Judy Harper of Lynnwood, Wash. and Jan and brother-in-law Ron Porter of Everett, Wash.
Mr. Walvatne was preceded in death by his parents, Walter and Helen.
A memorial service will be held in Sweet Home at the Hillside Fellowship Church, 501 Nandina St., at 4 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 22. A potluck celebration of his life will follow the service.