Gerard Oftring

1924 - 2015

Gerard (Jerry) Otto Oftring
July 9, 1924 - November 15, 2015
Gerard Otto Oftring was born on July 9, 1924, in Ridgewood (Queens), New York, to John and Rose Oftring.  He was called home by his Heavenly Father on November 15, 2015, at 91 years of age with his wife and two of his children by his side.
Jerry grew up in New York and soon after graduating from high school, joined the U. S. Navy and proudly served from 1943 to 1946.  Upon re-entering civilian life, Jerry was an auto/truck mechanic for several auto dealers before settling in for over 30 years with Grumman Aerospace Corporation.  He retired in 1988.
Jerry was always an active person.  In his younger days he enjoyed downhill skiing and rollerskating.  It was while rollerskating that he met the love of his life, Ruth, and married her in November 1952.  They had four children together.  He enjoyed camping and traveling with his family and was active in both the Boy Scouts and the Catholic War Veterans.
In 1997 Jerry and Ruth moved from New York to California to be near their children and their families.  Upon arriving in Modesto, Jerry and Ruth joined and became active members of St. Joseph's Catholic Church. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus, and his favorite ministries were Perpetual Adoration and being a Eucharistic Minister. Outside of church, Jerry enjoyed camping, gardening, traveling, golfing, bowling, SIRS, and having his family around.
Jerry is survived by Ruth, his wife of 63 years, his daughters Mary Walker (Chris) and Janet Frates (Larry), his two sons, Gerard Jr. and Tom, and his grandchildren, Amanda and Matthew Roublick and Katie de los Reyes (Jack).
Viewing will be held at Salas  Brothers Funeral Home (Scenic Avenue) from 4 - 8 p.m.  with a rosary at 6 p.m. on Thursday, November 19.  The funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church (1813 Oakdale Road, Modesto) on Friday, November 20, 2015, at 9:30 a.m.  Interment will take place at 9:30 a.m. on Monday, November 23, at the National Cemetery in Santa Nella, CA.
The following prayer, which typifies Jerry was found in his wallet:  Heavenly Father, bless my family.  Fill me with love and responsibility in all my family relationships.  Show me my duties and rights.  May I be as energetic in fulfilling my duties as I am in claiming my rights.  May unselfish love guide my every act.  Amen.
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