Jake Gerdts' Obituary
Jacob Kendall Gerdts, also known as The Great Uncle Jake, passed away on May 22, 2024 in Olympia, Washington, at the age of 62. Born March 30, 1962 in Olympia, Jake was known for his amazing sense of humor and his love offishing, hunting, and spending time with family. Jake was a wealth of music and TV celebrity knowledge and an immense passion for the outdoors. He was more than just a mechanic , he was "the foremost expert". He had several talents and skills from playing the accordion and riding the best wheelies in his wheelchair! He had the patience of a saint. If you ever had a lock you couldn't open, he would work slowly and methodically until somehow he would have it opened.
Jake attended Garfield Elementary, Olympia and Tumwater High Schools, then traveled to Texas to attend Texas Tech University, class of 1988, where he studied mechanical engineering and became Toyota ASE Certified. He worked as a bartender while earning his certifications. Then returned home to Olympia and worked for Sinclair Rotor's Toyota of Olympia as a mechanic. After his motorcycle accident, he changed careers and worked as an office manager/bookkeeper at C and D Propane then All American Propane. He leaves behind a legacy of cherished memories and will be deeply missed by his father David, brothers Kenneth, Mark, and Steven, sister Leesa, son Connor, grandson Owen, as well as several nieces, nephews, great nieces, and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Glenna Gerdts and his best friend and cousin Dreen Crawford.
A celebration of life in honor of The Great Uncle Jake will be held at Mason Lake, 1052 E Mason Lake Drive West, Grapeview, Wa. 98546, on June 29, 2024, noon - 4:00pm.
Jake's presence will be greatly missed, but his memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
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