Gerry Elvin Rogalsky

Gerry Elvin Rogalsky, born on November 23, 1953, in Caldwell, Idaho, passed away peacefully at his home on March 3, 2025. Raised in Boise, Idaho, Gerry attended Garfield Elementary School, East Junior High School, and graduated from Boise High School in 1972. Throughout his youth, he played the clarinet in the marching band, participated in ROTC, and was actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America, where he achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and was selected to participate in a Scout Jamboree in Japan.

Gerry served a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Northern California. In 1976, he met the love of his life, Elsie Christine Huntsman, and they were married in September of that year. Together, they raised six wonderful children and were blessed with twelve grandchildren.

Gerry dedicated 26 years to the Idaho Department of Corrections, retiring in 2010. He had a deep passion for sports, fishing, spending time in Cascade, and cheering on Boise State's sporting events. If Boise State was playing, Gerry was watching—decked out in his favorite Boise State gear, of course! Known for his eclectic fashion sense, he was often seen sporting tie-dye shirts, headbands, and anything blue and orange. His unique style brought a smile to everyone's face and made him a true original.

Gerry enjoyed sharing classic TV shows and movies with his children and grandchildren, often "forcing" them to watch his favorites. He had a gift for bringing joy and laughter to everyone he met, and his sense of humor was legendary.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Dorothy and Elvin Rogalsky, and his brother Zane Rogalsky. Gerry is survived by his devoted wife of 48 years, Elsie Christine Rogalsky; his children Melissa Thomsen (Mark) and their children Cate and Trevor; Joseph Rogalsky (Missy) and their children Kya, Kellen, Charlie, Harrison, and Hannah; Michael Rogalsky; Tyler Rogalsky (Jessica); Robert Rogalsky (Amy) and their children Carson, Jacob, Matthew, and Rachel; and Tianna Bartschi (Brandon) and their son Blake. He is also survived by his siblings Sabrina Salisbury, Mark Rogalsky, Seth Rogalsky, and Lisa Wright (Rick), along with many extended family members.

Gerry's quirky sense of humor and his joy in entertaining others, especially his grandchildren, will be remembered with a smile. His one-of-a-kind approach to life (and attire choices) will keep us grinning and reminiscing for years to come.