Jerry Edward Schlagel

Gerald Edward “Jerry” Schlagel, also known as Ed by many close friends, was born in Longmont, CO to Marie and Edward Schlagel on October 7, 1939. He was welcomed into the arms of Jesus on April 29, 2026, surrounded by family, friends, and cherished pets who preceded him in death. Jerry spent his life lighting up every room he entered, sharing kindness and laughter with everyone fortunate enough to cross his path.

Jerry graduated from Longmont High School in 1957. During his time there, he played on the Longmont Trojans’ baseball team as pitcher, and he played forward on the basketball team. Playing on these teams began Jerry’s lifelong passion for all things sports, both as a player and enthusiastic fan.

Jerry didn’t just love sports, he was an exceptional athlete as well. Jerry’s talent in baseball even caught the attention of the New York Yankees, who invited him to play for their farm team. Having already enlisted in the Army, he could not accept that letter. However, Jerry being Jerry, he did not dwell on what could have been, and he chose to simply be grateful for the opportunity.

In March of 1958, Jerry joined the United States Army. Recruiters promised him that he could serve in Germany, his ancestral country. He was instead deployed to Alaska. Although initially disappointed, he soon embraced the situation with good spirits and made the best of his time in the army. Jerry is survived by loved ones who cherished listening and laughing along with him to his many stories of adventure in Alaska.

After his military service, Jerry briefly worked for Martin Marietta, assembling missiles. He then began a long and varied career rooted in service to his community. Jerry married his first wife and lifelong friend, Jill Embree, in 1963. Together they raised four children: Kris, Kim, Mark, and Scott. Jerry approached fatherhood with the same exuberance, love, and joy he brought to everything else.

Eventually Jerry joined the Longmont Fire Department, where he rose to the rank of Captain. He was famous at the station for his “firehouse tacos,” a recipe that followed him home and became a favorite dish at family gatherings for the rest of his life. While working as a firefighter, Jerry also took on a second job as a sports writer for the Times-Call, combining his love of athletics with his gift for storytelling.

Jerry coached recreational and Little League baseball, sharing his love of the game with countless young players. He eventually found his true professional calling in real estate, beginning his career with The Fort in Longmont. It was there he met Darlene, who became his wife on August 25,1983. With their marriage, Jerry's family grew once more, and he embraced his stepson, Justin, as his own.

Jerry loved to travel, and one of his favorite destinations was St. John, Virgin Islands. It was a place he and Darlene returned to many times together. He also shared unforgettable adventures with his son, Mark, a true world-traveler who delighted in showing his dad unique corners of the globe. For his 80th birthday, his daughters surprised him with a trip to Germany, a gift that allowed him to finally realize his lifelong dream of seeing the country of his heritage.

A true Colorado sports fan, Jerry rarely missed a Broncos, Nuggets, Avalanche, or Rockies game. He loved gardening and took great pride in his yard. He also loved to fish, making many trips to Alaska and to virtually every great fishing spot in Colorado. He approached every hobby with the same enthusiasm he brought to life.

In his later years, a favorite pastime was sitting on his back porch with family or friends, enjoying a beer and smoking a cigar. Those slow, easy evenings-full of stories, laughter, and the comfort of good company, were some of the moments he treasured most. He had a gift for making ordinary moments feel extraordinary.

His animals were a constant source of happiness in his life. He was preceded in death by his beloved dogs - Daisy, Nugget, Taz, Jack, and Phoebe, and is survived by his loyal companion, Fred.

Jerry's faith was a cornerstone of his life. His quiet, steady faith shaped the way he lived - with kindness, gratitude, humor, and a genuine desire to lift others up.

He is survived by his siblings Janice Rademacher, Ronald Schlagel, and Glenda Eckenrode; his children Kris Murphy (and son-in-law Brent), Kim Bartels (and son-in-law Arlin), Mark Schlagel, Scott Schlagel, and Justin Ferren (and daughter-in-law Sharlene); and his grandchildren Zoey, Shelbe, Kellan, lan, Lilyan, Carter, Isabelle, and Cicely. He also leaves behind two great-grandchildren, Stella and Sophie.

Jerry will be remembered for his light, the way he brightened every room and every conversation. His generosity, his faith, and his love for life will live on in those whose lives he touched. To know Jerry was to feel special, welcomed, and lifted.

Jerry's Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, May 29, 2026, from 4-7 PM at the American Legion John Harold Buckley Post 32 (315 S Bowen St, Longmont, CO 80501) In honor of Jerry, please be sure to wear your favorite sports gear.