Gerald Eggebeen

January 1, 1939 – September 17, 2026

Gerald “Jerry” Eggebeen passed away on September 17, 2026, at the age of 87.

Jerry was born on January 1, 1939, in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, to William Eggebeen, Sr. and Minnie Eggebeen. He was part of a large family that included his siblings William Eggebeen, Jr., Marian Kuiper, Esther Van Belle, and John Eggebeen. Before Jerry’s birth, his parents had also welcomed a son named Gerald, Jerry’s namesake, who passed away in infancy.

Due to his mother’s health, the Eggebeen family eventually left Wisconsin and moved west to Sunnyside, Washington, seeking the benefits of the area’s drier climate. Jerry grew up in Sunnyside and graduated from Sunnyside High School, making the Yakima Valley his home for the remainder of his life.

Jerry was born with cerebral palsy, but he never allowed it to define what he could accomplish. He possessed a remarkable determination and willingness to work hard. As a Watkins products salesman, Jerry walked many miles making sales and visiting customers. He was also involved with the Amway Corporation, always finding ways to stay busy, productive, and independent.

Family members may especially remember Jerry’s entrepreneurial spirit through the soda and candy stand he managed in the front yard of his parents’ home. His nieces and nephews often became his eager employees, although their compensation usually came in the form of all the free candy and soda they could enjoy. It became one of those simple family experiences that created lasting memories and plenty of smiles.

Jerry was tough, determined, and extraordinarily resilient. Throughout his life, he faced challenges that might have discouraged others, yet he continued forward in his own steadfast way. That strength remained with him throughout a long life, and Jerry ultimately outlived the rest of his immediate family by several years.

More than anything, Jerry will be remembered as someone who refused to let his circumstances determine the limits of his life. He worked hard, persevered, and found his own ways to contribute to his family and community. His life was a testament to resilience, independence, and the quiet strength to simply keep going.

Jerry’s family will remember the stories, the candy and soda stand, his determination, and a life lived with persistence and courage. His memory will remain with the generations of nieces, nephews, and extended family who had the privilege of knowing him.

Rest in peace, Jerry. A long journey, faithfully traveled, has come to an end.

A service will be held Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Keith & Keith Funeral Home in Yakima Washington.