Stevensville – Jerry Willis Piehler passed away peacefully at home on February 1st, 2022. He was born on February 21, 1940, on a homestead in Liberal Kansas, to parents Walter and Pearl Piehler. Jerry was the youngest of 10 children. He spent his early childhood in Kansas exploring and getting into mischief…. He always had a sense of adventure that carried throughout his life. At age 10, Jerry and his family moved out west to California. He said it was like paradise with all the fresh fruits and vegetables everywhere. He and his family settled into California and began putting down roots.
He met and married Lue Della Hough in 1960. During their 61 years of marriage, they had (4) children together (Debbie, Tammy, Jesse and Shane). They were blessed with 5 grandchildren (Donnie, Kelly, Nick, James & Michael) and 7 great grandchildren (Ryan, Piper, Holly, Shelby, Kelsey, Max and Mia). Family was the most important thing to Jerry throughout his life…besides traveling and a good adventure – boy did he love an adventure! More than once, he was known to pack up his wife and kids and head off across the country on a new and exciting adventure, eventually returning to California where both Jerry and Della’s extended family resided. However, after his retirement he and his wife relocated in 2009 to the Bitterroot Valley in Montana. Where he enjoyed nature walks, drives and spending time reminiscing with his kids and grandkids.
Jerry is preceded in death by both parents, 7 sisters and 2 brothers (Vera, Zoe, Roy, Wanda, Gene, Ruth, Darlene, Winnie, and Joan). Until the day of his passing, he always wanted his family to know how much he loved and cared for each & every one of them. He leaves behind a good legacy that I am confident will go on to honor him for generations to come, sharing the many stories of travel and adventure that was gathered over his lifetime. Until we meet again…. Rest in Peace Dad, you did well.