Gerald “Jerry” Reckin

Gerald “Jerry” Reckin, 94, passed away peacefully in his sleep on January 20, 2024, in Kalispell, Montana. 

Jerry was born in Eau Claire, Wisconsin and moved with his family as a child to San Diego, California. After graduating high school, he went on to serve in the U.S. Army Veterinary Corps during the Korean War. 

With the help of the G.I. Bill, he earned a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in industrial arts from San Diego State University. He had a distinguished career in education, first as an industrial arts teacher and guidance counselor and, later, as a high school vice principal and principal in the San Diego area. 

After retiring, he moved to Libby, Montana and later to Kalispell.

Jerry enjoyed nature and remembered fondly the eight summers he worked as a park ranger, accompanied by his family, at Yosemite National Park in the 1950s and 1960s.

During a very active retirement, he served on his local school and hospital boards and was a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity and the Flathead Democrats. He was a lifelong member of the Lutheran Church.

He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 20 years, Mary; his children, Gene (Lenora) and Nancy; his grandchildren, Gina, Annie (Jim), Kara (Dan), Rachel (Nick), and Tommy (Myriam); seven great-grandchildren; and his many other family members and friends. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Nita; his parents, Ernest and Clara; and his sister, Madeline.  

A memorial service will be held for Jerry at Christ Lutheran Church in Libby on at 1 p.m. Tuesday, July 9.

Donations in Jerry’s memory may be made to the Flathead Democratic Women’s Scholarship Fund or to the Yosemite Conservancy. 

Arrangements are under the care of Schnackenberg Funeral Home of Libby, Montana. Online memories and condolences may be shared by visiting www.schnackenbergfh.com.