Jerry Kvaternik

Jerry Kvaternik, born February 26, 1958, died peacefully in the company of loved ones on May 17, 2025. Jerry was a tough guy—strong in every way—until the very end. Jerry embraced his too-short life with two key companions, joy and enthusiasm, and always on his own terms. Fishing, riding motorcycles, windsurfing, kiteboarding, skiing, snowboarding, joking around, and always more fishing punctuated his life.

Evidence of his zest for life could be found in his x-rays, which showed at least 20 bones broken and healed over the years. Needless to say, he never let the grass grow under his feet.

His big heart was obvious to everyone who knew him, and attested to by the many people who showed up at his bedside and provided him with encouragement from afar as he battled glioblastoma. Friends and family reciprocated the many gifts of fish, vegetables from his garden, and fix-it favors by showing up for him in myriad ways during his brief illness. We are overwhelmed with gratitude by the abundant ways in which love and support was provided.

Jerry is survived by his sister, Karen Reed; brother-in-law, Mike Reed; brother Jeffrey Kvaternik; sister-in-law, Karen Kvaternik; niece Tera Schreiber and family, Eric Schreiber, Daisy, Ginger, and Violet Schreiber; nephew Micheal Reed and family, Shannon Sullivan, Mercedes Reed, John, Jordan, Remington, and Rosie Reed; Jamie Purviance and family, Brandon Purviance, Taylor Hurley, and Hadley Purviance; Katie Smigaj and husband John Smigaj, and many, many chosen family members.

A Celebration of Life will be held on July 9, 2025, at 4:00 at the Environmental Services Building at Chambers Creek, 9850 64th Street West, University Place, WA 98467.