Jerry Schaler's Obituary
Jerry Allen Schaler, beloved husband, father, brother and friend was born September 25, 1956, in Tacoma, Washington. He passed away February 19, 2024, after a courageous battle with cancer that he fought to the end.
Jerry graduated from Clover Park Highschool in 1975. Jerry then went on to have a 30 year career with the Clover Park School District, retiring in 2004. That is where he met the love of his life, second wife Valerie Schaler, and they were married July 9, 1994. Jerry wasn’t ready to sit after retiring so he took up gardening and working in his yard. He loved his plants, flowers, and mowing the grass, and he took great pride in the overall beauty of his yard.
Jerry went on to work another 17 years for the city of Lakewood as a park maintenance worker at Fort Steilacoom Park. Jerry’s love for Hawaii was endless, spending five trips with friends; that was priceless to him. Jerry also had a love for golf, which he played the back nine at Meadow Park with his friends and enjoyed it. Jerry was passionate about family and friends, and lived in a way that made us all want to emulate his kindness and strength.
Jerry was preceded in death by his father, Edward James Schaler Sr., mother Lois V Schaler, brothers Bobby and John Schaler. He is survived by his wife, Valerie Schaler, daughter Jennifer Rosentrater, son Christopher Schaler, granddaughter Ashley Tarbutton Schaler, grandsons Collin Tarbutton, Nathanial Schaler, and Cooper Rosentrater, four sisters Marylou (Bob), Peggy Lewis, Sherry Russell, Rose Shore, six brothers, Terry (Sue), Tom, Ed, Bill (Stacie), Larry, and Robbie Schaler, as well as many nieces and nephews. The family requests donations be made to Saint Jude’s, or any charities benefiting needy families and children.
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