Whitman County Gazette 

Jerold W. Power

Aug. 6, 1925 – Sept. 10, 2021

 

September 30, 2021

Jarold Power obituary

Jerold W. Power, 96, passed away Friday, September 10, 2021, at Idaho State Veterans Home in Lewiston, Idaho.

Jerold was born on August 6, 1925, in Colome, South Dakota, to George and Nora (Krauss) Power. The family arrived on the Palouse when he was 10 years old and he graduated from Palouse High School in 1943.

In November 1944, Jerold was inducted into the Army for combat duty in World War II. He spent 16 months in combat in the Philippines. Later, he and several others were readied for the invasion of Japan. On his birthday, August 6, 1945, the first atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, and three days later, the second bomb was dropped on Nagasaki, Japan. Jerold was sent to Hiroshima shortly thereafter. He received several medals for his service, including the Bronze Star. Jerold was one of the last living World War II veterans on the Palouse.

On June 12, 1948, Jerold married Dolores (Syms) Power in Onecho, Washington. The couple made their home in Palouse, Washington.

After harvest season in 1950, Jerold was recalled to active duty and served in the Korean Conflict as a staff sergeant, training new recruits for combat duty.

In 1967, the couple moved to Wallowa County, Oregon, for a new adventure. They loved the area but work was scarce. So, in 1971, the couple moved to Moscow, Idaho, where Jerold worked for the University of Idaho until his retirement in 1990.

Jerold enjoyed ranching, farming, hunting, fishing, and horse trips into the mountains. But most of all, Jerold enjoyed his family and friends. He loved going to reunions, family gatherings, or watching grandchildren play basketball, baseball, football, track, volleyball, and even cheerleading. He did this throughout his life. He will truly be missed.

Jerold was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores, of 63 years; brother George W. Power; grandchildren Brandon Power and Tina Bies; and great-grandchild Aaron Power.

Survivors include sons, Jerold D. (Roxanne) of Goodyear, Arizona; Gale (Michele) of Walla Walla, Washington; Gary of Huntington, Oregon; Daryl (Kathie) of Troy, Idaho; and daughters, Connie Hepburn (Dean) of Damascus, Oregon; Terri Seifert (Jim) of Irrigon, Oregon; sister, Carol Wilcox of Wenatchee, Washington; and brother, Myron Power (Marie) of Cheney, Washington. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.

Graveside services will be held on October 2, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. at the Palouse Cemetery, with a gathering to follow for family and friends at the Palouse Community Center.

In lieu of flowers and gifts, Jerold and his family request that all donations be given to Inland Northwest Honor Flights, 608 W. 2nd Avenue, Ste. 309, Spokane, WA 99201. Jerold's experience on an Honor Flight was very moving and he wanted to help other Veterans be given this opportunity.

Kramer Funeral Home is caring for the family.

 

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