Obituary of Gerald Roy Crossler

Obituary Gerald (Jerry) Roy Crossler passed away peacefully on April 13, 2023 with his daughters by his side after succumbing to his long-fought battle against cardiac and kidney failure. Jerry was born on August 22, 1940 in Seattle, WA to Ernie and Dolores Crossler. His family later moved to Yakima where he graduated from Davis High School in 1958. He then attended a community college to play basketball before transferring to Washington State University. He graduated from WSU in 1963 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration. It was here that he met and married his first wife, Nancy. After graduation, Jerry moved to Ritzville to work in his parent’s restaurant. Jerry and Nancy’s first daughter, Denise was born during this time. He then took a job as a salesman for the Hunt’s company that took him and his family to Hawaii. This is where his second daughter, Angela, was born. They stayed in Hawaii for approximately 4 years until the changing of the seasons in Washington called them back. After a short stop-over in Seattle, the family ended up back in Ritzville where Jerry took over the family restaurant, the “Whisperin’ Palms”. During this time, Jerry and Nancy’s third daughter, Julie, was born. Jerry owned and ran the “Palms” for many years and is still remembered for his seafood & chicken buffets on Friday nights. These were so well attended that Jerry had to call in reinforcements by hiring friends of his daughters to help out on these special occasions. Jerry began a second career in the 1990’s working as the Adams County Assessor and later as an assessor for King County, until his retirement. After retirement, Jerry was elected onto the East Adams Rural Hospital board where he served until his death. Jerry was extremely passionate about family, cooking, crosswords and sports. He loved spending time with family, both immediate and extended. He would find any excuse for a gathering where he could share his cooking prowess. Most weekends, when his kids were young, you could find the whole extended family at his house, eating and playing games. Even when living his life as an older bachelor, he would cook large batches of food so that he could share with neighbors, friends or the Eagles Club. He also loved his crossword puzzles. Every morning he would sit with his cup of coffee and do his crossword puzzle….. in pen. He had an uncanny ability to remember all kinds of facts. Even sitting the hospital before he passed, he could remember more items in the crossword clues than either of his daughters. His love of facts led to his devotion to watching Jeopardy. When 7:30pm rolls around, he had to be in front of the TV so he could watch his Jeopardy. In the hospital, he would sleep all day and then suddenly just before 7:30 he would be awake and alert to watch Jeopardy. When it wasn’t Jeopardy on the TV, it was sports, both college and professional. He would not miss a game when his Cougs, Zags, Mariners or Seahawks were playing. Jerry is survived by his daughters Angela Templin (Alan Mair) and Julie Heimbigner (Chris), grandchildren Zak Templin (24), Katlyn Templin (22), Aiden Mair (16), Connor Mair (15), Ewan Mair (15), Aaron Templin (15), Andrew Templin (15), Alexa Heimbigner (21), Spencer Heimbigner (19), and Carter Heimbigner (17). He is also survived by his sisters Judy Crossler (Ron), Sandy Wilks and nieces Kristi O’Bleness, Jenny Farris, Sadra Danekas (Darin), Maranda Bell (Joel) and nephews Jeff O’Bleness (Christine), Tony Stiner and David Stiner (Nancy) as well as numerous extended family and friends. Jerry was proceeded in death by his parents as well as his beloved daughter Denise Crossler in 1981. A Public Viewing will be held on Wednesday May 10, 2023, 9AM-5PM at Danekas Funeral Home, 207 E. Main Street, Ritzville, WA. There will be a small Graveside Observation at the Ritzville Memorial Cemetery on Saturday May 13, 2023 at 10AM, followed by the Service and Celebration of Life Reception at 11:30 AM at the Ritzville Legion Hall. Cold cuts and sides will be provided. In lieu of flowers; Memorial contributions can be made to the Eagles Building Fund, 105 N. Washington Ritzville, WA 99169. Please when sending memorials to the Eagles note in memo to Jerry Crossler Memorial. Condolences may be left at; www.danekasasfh.com