Jerry Schoelkopf

Jerry Lee Schoelkopf Sr.
"Big Jerry"
Jerry Lee Schoelkopf Sr. went home to be with Jesus on August 5th, 2025, in his hometown of Tenino, Washington. He was seventy-seven years old and passed in his home with his wife of forty-six years Rebecca, his son Jerry Jr., daughter in-law "Cassie", and grandson Richard by his bedside.
Jerry Sr. was born January 4th, 1948, to his parents Richard "Dick" Schoelkopf and Barbara "Bobbi" Schoelkopf in Centralia, Washington. He attended a majority of his school years in the Centralia school district, however, as a senior he attended Tenino High School where he graduated earning his diploma.
Known fondly as "Big Jerry" to many, Jerry Sr. touched the lives of others through his kindness, hospitality, gracious attitude, sense of humor, and happy-go-lucky demeanor. He was a proud man who never liked to complain.
Jerry Sr. met the love of his life Rebecca "Becky" Lynn (Snyder) Schoelkopf in her hometown of North Liberty, Indiana. Jerry Sr. had traveled to Indiana for work where the two met each other, dated for four months, and then married on March 10th, 1979. They were together for forty-six and a half years in their hometown of Tenino and together enjoyed many adventures outdoors. Ten years into their marriage Jerry Sr. and Rebecca were blessed by the birth of their son Jerry Jr.
Jerry Sr. had a strong work ethic and was a great provider. He retired from the Department of Natural Resource (DNR) Webster's Nursery where he grew and tended trees. He dedicated twenty-five years of his life to this job. Prior to Webster's Nursery DNR Jerry Sr. worked at a meat packing facility in Maytown, Washington. He also transported wildfire fighting supplies for DNR.
Jerry Sr. was an avid outdoorsman. He enjoyed small and big game hunting with his dad, wife, and friends early on in life and later with his kids. Jerry Sr. was passionate about fishing. He loved taking his boat out on the lake to fish for blue gill and perch. In his later years he enjoyed catching catfish with Jerry Jr. and the occasional trip up to Sekiu to fish with Jerry Jr. and Brian Lambert.
Jerry Sr. gave his heart to Jesus and attended church at Tenino Assembly of God. His family and friends know that he is now forever fishing in heaven's waters. Jerry Sr. is preceded in death by his father Richard "Dick" Schoelkopf, his mother Barbara "Bobbi" Schoelkopf, his brother Morgan [In Kyong] Schoelkopf, his brother Richard "Rick" [Cheri] Schoelkopf, his sister in-law Cheri Schoelkopf, and his older sister Sandra who passed away at birth.
Jerry Sr. is survived by his loving wife Rebecca "Becky" Schoelkopf, his son Jerry [Cassandra "Cassie"] Schoelkopf Jr., his grandson Richard Anderson Schoelkopf, his sister in-law In Kyong Schoelkopf, his niece Bobbi Jo [Jed] Neumeier, his niece Stephanie [Bill] Schoelkopf-Banning, his niece Tina Schoelkopf, and his Nephew Randy Schoelkopf. Jerry Sr also has two sons "Scott" and "Kirk" from his previous marriage.
A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 30th, 2025, at 1:00pm at the Tenino Assembly of God Church, 626 W Sussex Ave Tenino, WA 98589. A gathering and potluck will follow at the Tenino Quarry House, 319 Park Ave W Tenino, WA 98589.
Jerry Sr's. family would like to give special thanks to Providence Compassus Hospice for their exceptional care which allowed the family to honor Jerry's wishes to pass in his home. They would also like to thank Woodlawn Funeral Home for their kindness and support. To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of Jerry, please visit our Tree Store.