He was born to Ambrose & Dora Koch Behan on Feb. 15, 1930 in Davenport, Iowa. Jerry attended St. Alphonses Elementary School and St. Ambrose Academy. He worked as a carpenter until he enlisted in the Air Force during the Korean War. Jerry was last stationed at McChord Field and liked Washington so much that he decided to return to work for Boeing as a flight line mechanic. He met his wife Helen while both were working for Boeing at Moses Lake. They were married June 16, 1956. Jerry decided to further his education and they moved to Arizona where he graduated Arizona State University with a Bachelor's degree. Their three sons, John, David and Charlie were born in Arizona and the family moved back to Seattle, where they lived for several years. He worked as an industrial arts teacher before returning to Boeing. He then worked as a draftsman for industrial equipment companies. Jerry and Helen also lived in Everett for many years and most recently in Edmonds.
While Jerry was in the Air Force, he took up flying as a hobby which he loved. He owned 3 different airplanes that he enjoyed flying. One being a crop-duster that he flew in the Southern States and Eastern WA. He loved airplanes and flying, car racing and chocolate. Jerry was a man of faith, had great integrity, was a very optimistic individual with a good sense of humor.
Jerry cherished his wife of almost 62 years, Helen, his 3 sons, his 2 granddaughters, Elizabeth and Kasie-Marie, and his great granddaughter, Mia. He was a devoted husband, son, brother, father, uncle and friend.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister and brother-in-law, Doris and Jack Sullivan.
In lieu flowers, memorials may be made to Holy Rosary School or your favorite charity.
Visitation, June 6th at 3:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. at Evergreen Funeral Home 4504 Broadway Everett WA 98203.
Mass at Holy Rosary - Edmonds on June 7, 2018 at 11 a.m., reception following and Committal Service at 1:30 p.m. at Holyrood Cemetery - Shoreline.
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