Gerald Lider

Gerald was the first child of Gilmer and Oline Lider. He was born in Harlow, North Dakota, August 20, 1922. Gilmer, a WWI veteran, died of tuberculosis when Gerald was three (1925) and his sister, Norma, only a few months old. Oline, Gerald and Norma moved in with Oline’s parents and their siblings to help provide for her family. The extended family numbered 13 when everyone was home. He later attended elementary school in New Rockford, N Dakota.

Gerald moved to Seattle in 1936 at the age of 13 with his uncle, John Odegard, his Mother, Oline and sister, Norma. He graduated from Seattle’s Lincoln High School in 1940. He attended Pacific Lutheran College (PLC), meeting his future bride, Mildred Hanson, at the campus water fountain. Their courtship was interrupted by WWII. He served in the Navy as LTJG from 1943-1946 and served in both the Pacific and Mediterranean Theatres including the Invasion of France. Gerald served as the communication officer on a LST (Landing Ship Tanks) and as executive officer on LCI 2 (Landing Craft Infantry). After the War, he graduated from PLC in 1947.

After the war, Gerald married Mildred Hanson, September 21, 1946. They would have celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary this Fall.

Gerald received his Bachelor of Education in 1948 from College of Puget Sound and his Masters of Education in 1953 from University of Washington.

He retired after 29 years of teaching, driving bus, coaching and administration as an employee of the Issaquah School District: 1948-1977. He was the first principal for Sunset Elementary and Maywood Junior High.

Gerry and Milly have had a wonderful life with their three children, Wendy, Eric and Kirk and their fourteen grandchildren and one great grandson. His life loves also included playing the baritone, telling WWII stories, golfing, Sondre Norheim, PLU, Norwegian Jokes, fishing (catching is a bonus), camping, eating klub, traveling and his family.

Church has always been big part of Gerry’s life. He and Milly are charter members of Grace Lutheran Church beginning in 1948. He taught confirmation, was vice chair of the building committee and enjoyed singing in the choir. He also sang at Phinney Ridge Lutheran Church as a teen and The Choir of the West at PLC.

Athletics were an important part of Gerry’s life. He lettered in track, basketball and football at PLC. He coached track and basketball at Issaquah High School. He is recognized as the number one fan of all his children and grandchildren as he actively supported them in their athletic careers.

He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Mildred Lider, his three children, their spouses and children : Wendy and Mark Swanson of Redmond, WA (Children: Nathan (wife Erin), Erika, Laef, Kaari, Carl, Colin, Kirk and Marit), Eric and Anne Lider of Lake Oswego, OR: (Children: Brita (husband Chris and son, Cody), Annika, Lars: Kirk and Carol Lider of Bellevue, WA (Children: Joshua (wife Camille), Mathew and Christopher, Also surviving is his younger sister Norma (husband Parker Longbottom) of South Carolina.

Remembrances can be sent to: Grace Lutheran Church, 9625 NE 8th Bellevue, WA 98004 or Pacific Lutheran University, Alumni Office, Lauralee Hagen, Tacoma WA 98447

Arrangements under the direction of Sunset Hills Funeral Home, Bellevue, WA.