Jerry Ross Einfalt

1933 - 2023

Jerry Ross Einfalt – a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather - passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on August 27, 2023. Love of family and family times together were always central in Jerry's life. His passing seemed natural at the end of the month in which he celebrated 68 years of marriage, his wife's 90th birthday and enjoyed many visits with members of his family now living in NE, TX and CA--- and even got to meet his 3-month-old great granddaughter. He was truly blessed!Jerry was born in Dalton, NE to Rose and Ross Einfalt on January 14, 1933. When he reached school age, the family moved to Scottsbluff, NE where his Dad bought and operated a bowling alley for many years --- and where Jerry set pins, began his love of the game, won tournaments with his Dad --- and won many more later in life. He excelled academically in high school--- also as a quarterback in football. However, when he broke his leg in a practice game before the start of his senior season and didn't get to play, he decided to complete his high school credits, graduate in 1951 and join buddies enlisting in the Marines. After boot camp, more schooling/radar training/promotions, he was sent to Korea for a tour of duty. In August 1953 while home on leave, Jerry met Patricia Myers on a "blind date" arranged by mutual friends ---and thus began a long- range romance. They were married in Gering, NE on August 7, 1955 --- after Jerry was honorably discharged from the Marines and Pat received her college degree. They moved to West Lafayette, IN so Jerry could enter the EE School at Purdue University. He also got back into bowling, was invited into pro/am tournaments in Chicago and won some local ones. He received his EE degree in 1958, accepted a position with a small electronics company in NE -- and began a very successful career in the microwave field. Over the next 4 years recruiters enticed Jerry to make 2 more moves – first to Raytheon in MA and finally to Varian Associates in CA. (The family that moved to Palo Alto in the fall of 1968 was now 6 in number – including 4 children: Sheryl, Jon, Mark & Scott.) Jerry really found "his place" at Varian— and enjoyed working with, leading and mentoring others in 3 divisions for almost 30 years! Then at age 58, he decided to retire early to do only what he really enjoyed: cooking, time with grandchildren, gardening, traveling, and supporting Pat in her career.Jerry will be remembered for his strength of character; devotion to family—including hands-on support of his children's activities and attendance at events honoring their achievements; long personal and professional friendships; his Marine Corps strength and determination to recover from many surgeries/ illnesses --- and especially his love of cooking, willingness to share recipes and 40 years of holiday parties and other events he and his wife hosted in their home. How he will be missed!!Jerry is survived by his wife Patricia; daughter Sheryl; son Jon (Michelle); son Mark (Lori); son Scott (Lee); 9 grandchildren- Nicole (John); Kyle (Diana); Cody; Mackenzie (Tyler); Mallory; Max; Riley (Stef); Kelsey (Cody); Connor; 7 great grandchildren-Jayce, Joelle, Noah, Lark, Everly, Audrey and Harper; 2 brothers -Darrell (Sharlene) and Russell (Ramona); sisters-in-law Marlene Myers and Marilyn Einfalt; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.Jerry was preceded in death by his parents Ross and Rose Einfalt; his brother Ned; his brother-in-law Dick Myers and nephew Steve Myers. A memorial/celebration of Jerry's life will be held on Friday, October 13, 2023, at 1:00 pm in the chapel at Alta Mesa Memorial Park, 695 Arastradero Road, Palo Alto, CA. Memorial contributions in his name can be made to Palo Alto Community Child Care (PACCC), 3990 Ventura Ct. Palo Alto, CA 94306, or paccc.org ---providing infant, toddler, pre-school care/education and after- school care in elementary school sites. This non-profit is special for the family-- Pat served as a Board member for years and established a special fund for staff training. Another memorial supported by the family is Boys Town – a non-profit established many years ago outside Omaha, NE to care for and educate at-risk young boys (now includes girls too). The site is a national historic site and one can read much more about its mission "saving children and healing families" online:www.boystown.org. Mailing address: Boys Town, P.O. Box 8000, Boys Town, NE 68010.