Gerald “Jerry” Ferdinand

    

            Gerald “Jerry” Gene Ferdinand, 82, of Polson, MT, passed away on Monday, March 29, 2010 at his home in the early morning hours.

            On December 8, 1927 in Rockford, IL, Jay Houghteling and his wife, Bessie McPherson were blessed with the birth of there first born, whom they named Gerald Gene. Two years later, another son, Adelbert, joined the family. At the age of 37, Adelbert suffered a fatal heart attack while on a hunting trip.

            Jerry’s father passed away in 1932 and his mother married Harry Ferdinand in 1936. The family then moved from Illinois to San Diego, CA in 1941. Upon a doctor’s recommendation to Jerry’s mother, the family then moved to Lewistown, MT in 1943 where she could enjoy a drier climate to help her asthma.

            Jerry was a 1945 graduate of Fergus County High School and had a strong desire to join the US Navy. Because of his age, it was required that Jerry be legally adopted by Harry Ferdinand, who not only adopted Jerry, but his brother Adelbert as well. Jerry completed boot camp in San Diego, CA and Gulfport, MS. Afterwards, he was stationed at the Great Lakes Naval Station and the Bethesda Naval Station in Washington, D.C. Upon being honorably discharged in 1947, Jerry returned to Lewistown, MT where he did postgraduate work and in 1948 he enrolled at the Kinman Business University in Spokane, WA.

            Jerry married Delores Maxwell of St. Ignatius in 1950 and to this union three children were born, Vicki Lynn (Whitfield), Robin Rae, and Gary Allan. Ten years later, Jerry and Delores were divorced. Later, Jerry married Glenna Rae Richards and together had three sons, Corey, Monte, and Kelley.

            In December of 1960, Jerry joined the accounting firm of Douglas Wilson and Company in Lewistown and in 1965 he became the office manager at Central Montana Auction. In 1974, Jerry purchased the Sundown Inn in Stanford, MT. The supper club was a most lucrative enterprise under his management. From Thursday through Sunday of each week, reservations were “a must” as patrons came as far away as Billings, Great Falls, and Havre. After his divorce from Glenna, Jerry sold the Sundown and became office manager of Lewistown Propane. Following that, he managed the Elks Lodge #456.

            Jerry then married Sandra Ebel in 1983. She later became ill and the couple moved to Ronan to be near her doctor who was familiar with her cardiopulmonary problems. Sandy passed away in 1999. Afterwards, Jerry was employed as an accountant for S&K Electronics. Upon his retirement, Jerry moved his accounting office to Bob’s Auto Mart in Pablo.

            On June 10, 2000, at the Polson Elks Lodge, Jerry married Patty K. Richman-Tucker.

Jerry is a life member and Past Exalted Ruler of Mission Valley Elks #1695 in Polson. He is also a member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles-Kalispell Lodge #234, with dual memberships in Columbia Falls and Polson.

He is survived by his wife, Patty Ferdinand of Polson, all of his children, numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren, his sister and brother, Vada Jimmerson and Duane Ferdinand of Lewiston, Mt.; a sister-in-law, Carlita Davidson of Moccasin, Montana; as well as stepchildren, all residing in Washington State, Roberta (Bobbie) Haynes, Monty Richman, Kelly Richman, Shawn Richman, and J. Brian Richman.

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Saturday, April 17, 2010, 1:00 PM at the First United Methodist Church, Polson. Military honors will follow the services at the church. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Diabetic Research Center, Fraternal Order of Eagles Foundation at 1623 Gateway Circle South, Grove City, Ohio 43123. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family online at. www.groganfuneralhome.com. The staff of Grogan Funeral Home and Crematory, Polson, considers it a privilege to care for Mr. Ferdinand’s family.