Gerald “Jerry” Schafer, 91, passed away March 14, 2026. Jerry was born November 6, 1934 in Hazen, North Dakota, to Leo and Iva (Tysver) Schafer. A man of strong faith, Jerry was a lifelong, active member of his church and community. He lived his life with kindness, humility, generosity, and quiet strength. Jerry was a devoted husband and his greatest joy was his family. He is survived by his wife and best friend, Ardella; children, Brooke, Cyd (Eric), Lori (Todd), and Jennifer (Matt); and grandsons, Finn, Cooper, and Ruhne.

Jerry served in the Army for two years, then moved to Washington state in 1971. He spent his professional career in public service, working nearly thirty years for the U.S. Department of Labor. Jerry found joy in the simple, meaningful things. He loved gardening, woodworking, and had a remarkable ability to paint a perfectly straight line, without painter’s tape, better than anyone. A memorial service will be held on May 5 at 1:00 p.m. at Bethany Christian Assembly, 2715 Everett Ave., Everett, WA 98201.