Jerald Vincent Bitz

Jerald (Jerry) Vincent Bitz, age 84 of Sherwood, OR, passed away on August 17th, 2025, surrounded by family. Our cherished father, grandpa, and Papa will be dearly missed and forever fondly remembered in our hearts. Jerry was born to Bennie and Gertrude Bitz in Portland, OR on June 26, 1941. He studied at Tigard High School, class of 1960, where he met and later married his high school sweetheart, Sandy Bitz, on December 14, 1963. Together, they purchased a farm on Parrett Mountain near Sherwood in 1970, where they raised their 4 children: Craig, Kristi, Brian, and Kim. Jerry was preceded in death by his father Benedict (Bennie) Bitz, Mother Gertrude Hanneman Bitz (née Conroy), wife Sandra Lee Bitz (née Anderson), brother Charles Bitz and daughter-in-law Jo Bitz. Jerry is survived by his siblings: Wanda Grenfell, Richard Bitz(Jessie), Rose Biondo, and Lynn Ohm(Keith); four children: Craig Bitz, Kristen Carnes (Brian Carnes), Brian Bitz (Arlene Bitz), and Kimberly Johnson (Reece Johnson); his grandchildren: Matthew Blakeslee (Karen Blakeslee), Joey Bitz, Shaylin Pfarr, Shyann Pfarr, Chase Bitz (Krista Reiswig – fiancée), Bronsen Bitz (Bethany Bitz), Chad Johnson, Shaniah Pfarr, Ashley Johnson, Skylar Bitz, and Kaiden Bitz; great-grandchildren: Zelan Blakeslee and Aris Bitz. Jerry was humble and considerate, frugal with himself but graciously generous to others. He was well-known for his acts of hospitality and kindness for his family, friends, community, and strangers. The Celebration of Life for Jerry will be held on September 13th at 2pm at Baggenstos Farms, 17675 SW Lasich Lane, Sherwood, Oregon. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to any foundation for children (such as Randall Children's Hospital, OHSU Doernbecher, Shriners Hospital). Jerry worked on his farm, tending the land, raising animals, and baling hay. Jerry always put his children before himself, ensuring his children's educational needs were met and childhood wishes were fulfilled. He encouraged his grandchildren in their crafts and sports, attending band/choir performances, sports games, and FFA events. Jerry was cheerful and fun-loving with his grandkids – playing games, goofing off, and was affectionately called "Old Coot". Like his father before and his son and grandsons after, Jerry worked as a longshoreman in Portland, OR. He began at age 18 in August of 1959 and loyally remained a longshoreman until retirement in April 2006. In this time, Jerry participated in union initiatives, strikes, and acted as President of Local 8 and Local 40, as well as Chairman of the Board of Directors for the Credit Union. Jerry made profound contributions to the longshoremen and ILWU. He was a steadfast advocate for the working rights, general welfare, and dignity of the longshoremen as well as their families and community. In retirement, Jerry began traveling more with his wife, family, and friends. He often watched plays and musicals. He always brought donuts when visiting the senior center, soon increasing weekly attendance and making more friends. Jerry continued to work on his farm and frequently helped many of his neighbors. He and Sandy had many friends in the Parrett Mountain community.? Jerry was humble and considerate, frugal with himself but graciously generous to others. He was well-known for his acts of hospitality and kindness for his family, friends, community, and strangers. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, his laughter, and his ability to find joy in life's simplest blessings. Even in hardships, he was always "Living the dream".