- Date Of Birth: October 31, 1944
- Date Of Death: November 22, 2022
- State: Idaho
Gerald “Jerry” Arthur Picha was born on October 31st, 1944, in St. Paul, Minnesota to Norman Picha, Sr. and Ida Erickson (Wewerka). Jerry passed away on November 22nd, 2022, at the age of 78 with his family by his side.
Jerry met Alice (Freeman) in Kansas and married her shortly after on April 17th, 1964. Their first daughter Suzy was born in December of 1964 and in 1968 the three of them moved to Nampa. Their second daughter Rozanne was born in February 1978.
Jerry had a small family but what he lacked in size he made up for in wonderful memories. Jerry loved his family. They were his pride and joy. It was evident in his everyday life. Tuesdays were often spent with Alice enjoying Papa Murphy’s pizza and a movie.
Jerry was an extremely hard worker and fiercely independent. He was always busy working on a project or tinkering with something, he did not like to be idle. He could outwork men half his age. In his younger years Jerry worked as a mechanic and had a passion for muscle cars, Mustang’s in particular; however, his most recent toy was an 87’ Buick Regal Turbo. He had a lot of fun burning the tires. He passed the Buick to his daughter Suzy so his family could continue to enjoy it.
Jerry earned his CADC (Certified Alcohol Drug Counselor) in 2000. He worked for several counseling facilities until taking a job at Port of Hope in Nampa in 2007, where he found his home. He considered his co-workers at Port of Hope a part of his family. He made great friends there and loved going to work each day. Jerry was very proud of his sobriety and loved to share his story. We know Jerry touched many lives throughout his career.
Jerry also loved the outdoors. He was very proud of the family cabin that he built in Donnelly almost 40 years ago. Jerry and his family spent countless hours there enjoying the mountain getaway he created.
Jerry had a vast knowledge of firearms, and he rebuilt, refurbished and collected both guns and knives. He made many friends in the gun community. Suzy and Rozanne both have fond memories of going with Dad to gun shows while they were growing up. His grandkids loved hearing him tell the history behind each piece and admiring his work.
Jerry started each morning sitting on the porch with a cup of coffee. Even if it was 20 degrees outside, you would find him enjoying the sunrise. He was a voracious reader and enjoyed books on numerous topics, helping him gain knowledge in many areas. He was a problem solver and a doer.
Jerry was outgoing, friendly, unapologetic, and hilarious. He loved to laugh and make people laugh with his sarcastic and sometimes crude sense of humor. His jokes were not for the fainthearted. You never knew what might come out of his mouth. He was so much fun. Jerry gave great advice and made many friends.
He had special friendships with Bryan Miller and Dion Mannion. A special thanks from our family to Dion for being such a great neighbor and friend to him. Thanks to Jerry’s Port of Hope family including (but not limited to) Michelle, Dobby, Amber, James, and Walt. You all touched Jerry’s life and made him feel loved and appreciated. Thank you to Dr. Keefe and her entire staff who took such great care of Jerry for the last 10 years. He loved coming to the office and seeing the smiling faces and getting a hug from Dr. Keefe made his day. The Keystone Hospice staff were professional and kind during the most difficult days. Thank you to the Keystone Hospice Care staff that helped care for Jerry in his final months.
Jerry is survived by the love of his life, Alice (Freeman) Picha, his daughters Suzy Landis (Dave Landis) and Rozanne Picha, grandkids Karee Curry, Benjamin Purcell, Jessica Purcell and Noah Picha, great grandkids Blake Forrey, Konnor Crisp, Saphira Wiggins-Purcell, Astara Wiggins-Purcell and Lyle Sedano.
Jerry was proceeded in death by his father Norman Picha, Sr., mother Ida (Wewerka) Picha, and brother Norman Picha, Jr.
