Jerry was born on Aug. 16, 1934, to Mary (Lupinacci) and Harold Gosse, at The White Hospital, in Lewiston. He passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at his home, surrounded by family members and his two constant companions, Sammy and Jake.

He married Joan Lewis in 1952, ending in divorce in 1969. He then married Bobette Smith in 1970, ending in divorce as well. On May 18, 1985, he married Ginny Gosse and they remained together until his passing.

He worked at various jobs: CCI/Speer, Potlatch Forests Inc., Lewiston Livestock, he was the groundskeeper at the rodeo grounds when it was in North Lewiston, and ended his work history as a Washington State brand inspector until his retirement after he suffered a stroke in 2011.

He had many interests in life including racing stock cars in the 1950s, running racehorses in the 1980s and coaching Little League in 1966; he also coached his children and wife in girls’ softball and Jack ‘n Jill recreation league for many years.

He and his cousins would hunt rattlesnakes down river and, on the Fourth of July, he won the contest for catching the biggest rattlesnake. He also hunted skunks and gifted his young daughter (Jerri) with a baby skunk which she raised as a pet. He also bottle fed and raised a baby raccoon after the mother had been killed. His son (John) has fond memories of groundhog hunting with him.

He was always available to help his children, tending to the grandchildren whom he loved dearly. He was “poppa” and they all have a story to tell, mainly him taking them fishing, which he could be found at the river most days. His love for fishing is most likely what his grandchildren remember most about him.

He attended Lewiston High School completing his education in 1952.

He is survived by his wife Ginny, of 39 years, which his children jokingly tease, “we don’t know how they survived that long,” their love for each other was expressed in a manner only they could understand. It was evident that they loved each other unconditionally.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Ginny; his sons: John (Shelly) Gosse of Clarkston, Jody of Lapwai, Jarrod (Michelle) of Olympia, Brandon of Lacey, Wash.; daughter, Jerri (Brad) Cromwell of Lewiston; 14 grandchildren and 18 great-grandchildren; his constant companions, Sammy the Border Collie and Jake the Dachshund, who miss him terribly.

The family would like to thank Dr. Dan Mcintosh, Dr. Barbara Kammer and Dr. John Rudolph, as well as Elite Hospice and his private caregivers: Riah (granddaughter), Myranda and Corey.

We extend a special thank you to Corey Mathews who went above and beyond to be available at all times for Ginny.

The celebration of life will be held from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, July 27, at the Lewiston Community Center, 1424 Main St., Lewiston. We hope you will join us in celebrating Jerry’s life.