Jerry Coffman
October 25, 1935 - February 3, 2011
Obituary
Jerry Coffman
Born in Seminole, Oklahoma on October 25, 1935
Passed away on February 3, 2011 at his and Carolyn’s home in Federal Way, Washington
Memorial Services to be held on Monday, February 7, 2011 at 2p.m.
Calvary Lutheran Church – 2415 South 320th Street – Federal Way, WA 98033
In Lieu of flowers the family respectfully requests donations to be made to your choice of the following:
American Heart Association – 710 2nd Ave. #900 – Seattle, WA 98104-1729
Seattle Cancer Care Alliance – P.O. Box 19023 – Seattle, WA 98109 donations most needed for patient and family assistance
Franciscan Hospice Foundation – P.O. Box 1502 – Tacoma, WA 98401-1502 253 428-8411 – web: www.foundation.FHShealth.org
Jerry was 75 years old and was the courageous survivor of a 19 year heart transplant. He passed away, surrounded by his loving family in the comfort of his home on Thursday, February 3, 2011.
He was the son of Alma and Francis Coffman and brother to Norma Lee and Deborah Anne.
Jerry was the adoring husband to Carolyn Joanne for over 56 years. Childhood sweethearts for 65 years they married in Fresno, California on May 1, 1954. They were blessed with two children Sandra Don Walraven of Ballard, Washington and Ronald Julie Coffman of Denver, Colorado. His children blessed him with 4 grandchildren, Aaron Kamaki John Katie Rapozo, Andrew Stephen Coffman, Karryn Marie Todd Mittge and Zackery Allan Coffman. Further blessings were bestowed on Jerry and Carolyn with the birth of 6 great grandchildren, Lily Kalea Rapozo, Carter James and Nicolas Jerald Rapozo, Jack Mittge, Lyla Mittge and Wyatt John Coffman.
Jerry worked in the electrical trade for over 30 years and was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. He was a proud member of Local 100 in Fresno, California and Local 76 in Tacoma, Washington for over 50 years. He took great joy in passing along his knowledge of the electrical trade to Apprentice and Journeyman electricians. He and his son co-authored ‘Coffman’s Method of Conduit Bending’, which was published in 2008 and is in current review for Apprentice training by the IBEW.
Jerry, Carolyn and his daughter enjoyed creating flower baskets and ran a joint greenhouse business, C&R Flower Baskets for several years. He enjoyed many hours of creative greenhouse work along with his daughter in his backyard greenhouse in Federal Way, Washington.
Jerry’s love of fishing was shared with his father, Francis in the creeks and streams of the Sierra Nevada’s to Neah Bay and the Puget Sound. He passed along this love to both his son, Ron and grandson’s Aaron, Andy, and Zackery. These past years they have all enjoyed fishing the streams of Forks, Washington. Jerry also enjoyed several trips to Alaska to fish with Jesse Leroy Hayden who he befriended up at the UW hospital and adopted as his second son many years ago. Jesse and Jerry met at the University of Washington while both were being evaluated for heart transplants.
On December 7, 1991 Jerry was blessed with the gift of life. He received a much needed heart transplant, which gave his family 19 additional years of love and enjoyment with and from him. His family wishes to thank the many doctors, nurses and staff at the University of Washington. Special thanks to Doctor Daniel Fishbein for such wonderful and special care for over 23 years.
Additional thanks are given to the DaVita Dialysis staff in Federal Way, Washington. Special thanks also go to Franciscan Hospice in Federal Way, Washington. Jerry and his family were truly blessed with the loving help received from Jodi, Julie and Beth especially.
My memories of Jerry, we met while in UW hospitol. My brother Steve also waiting for a heart transplant. Jerry was a wonderful freind for us and my brother. He helped in getting through the ruff days and good days. He also wrote a beautiful letter when Steve passed , and our family will never forget the words he wrote.Steve and Jerry had a special connection which no one else could have.Steve wasn’t able to get a heart in time,but i remember Jerry saying he would give his heart for Steve. How can you ever imagine some one giving such! We all care and remember you Jerry as such a kind and wonderful man. We will always keep you in our thoughts.
love from kristy
My thoughts and prayers are with you Aunt Carol and the family. I love you all.
Xoxo
He will truly be missed.
Aunt Carol and Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time.
I always enjoyed the visits Uncle Jerry and Aunt Carol made to Santa Clara. Seeing Uncle Jerry was like having a part of my mom with me. He will always be in my heart.
Love you all.
Uncle Jerry’s neice,
Connie
Sorry to hear of the Jerry’s Passing. I am Wanda Jo Lewis Martin’s oldest Child. My mom and Alma were half Sisters their Father was Fred Fay Lewis. I lost my Mom this past summer July 2010. My prayers are with you and your family as you go through this sad time. May the joyful memories bring you peace, comfort and strength. As I was reading through the information about Jerry’s life, it is funny how Jerry and our Papa Lewis loved some of the same thing. Papa Lewis loved to fish, perch were his favorite fish to eat, they are small, full of bones but he thought the were good eating! Also Papa Lewis loved his roses! Love and Prayers your cousins,
I’m so sorry he had to leave, Carolyn, but wow! did he ever fight the good fight, long and hard, and accomplished so much. I know you and your family are so very proud of him and he will truly be missed.
We were so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. I know Aunt Betty said she was so glad that she got to talk with him last week. Even though he was only able to attend one Lewis-McNew reunion in Okla. we all fell in love with him. He will be surely missed. Our prayers and thoughts go to you and the family. My your memories carry you through this sad time. And your good memories are with you forever. Love Cherry,Mike and Aunt Betty