Jerry grew up in Wapato, WA with his brothers, John and Karl. He graduated from Wapato High School in 1960. He attended Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA, where he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Education upon graduating in 1964. He started his teaching career in Marysville, WA where he met his future wife, Barbara Boyd. They married on June 14, 1968.
Jerry and Barbara moved back to Jerry’s hometown of Wapato, and both began teaching for the school district. Jerry also coached boys’ basketball as well as tennis for many years. Jerry spent many years as a volunteer with the Wapato Fire Department.
When he retired, he found more time for activities that he enjoyed like hunting, fishing and weekly tennis matches with his brothers. During the summer, you could always find him tending to his family orchard in Wapato.
Jerry was preceded in death by his father and mother, John and Minnie Staudinger (Dearing); his brothers John Staudinger and Karl Staudinger; his wife Barbara Staudinger (Boyd); and nephew Kurt Staudinger.
He is survived by his wife of 8 years, Karen Matsen; his daughter Heidi Wheeler, her daughters Ender and Ensley; his son Scott Staudinger and his son Dylan Staudinger.
A Celebration of Jerry’s Life will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025, at Keith & Keith Funeral Home, 902 W Yakima Ave, Yakima, beginning at 2:00PM. All that knew and loved Jerry are invited to attend.
