Jerry passed away February 13 in North Bend, age 76. Born in Wenatchee, Washington, the second son of Keith and Kati Utterbock. His brother Glen was three years older. In his youth, the family—Kati, Glen, Jerry, and stepfather Bert Mathews—moved to Coopa, California, where he graduated from Hoopa Valley High School in 1966.

Jerry later relocated to Coos Bay where he met and married Sherry Roberts in 1969. They had two boys. Jay in 1971, and Chad in 1973. They divorced in the late 70s.

Jerry’s career started in the Coos Bay woods as an Al Pierce Mill equipment operator. Then as a Mid-Coast Marine welder-fabricator where a back injury caused early retirement.

Jerry lived in Washington, California, Hawaii, and Oregon.

Much of his adult life was spent being a Volkswagen guy. First: Street bugs, chopping tops, lowering fronts, custom paint, fast engines! Then his Baja era: Chop the front and back, add wide, chopped fenders, strip the interior, add a roll bar, big tires, hopped-up engine! Making Sandrails and beach buggies from Volkswagen parts he enjoyed his Volkswagens year round. Occasionally taking his VW Bus to the mountains above Powers, camping, enjoying the sun, and swimming.

Jerry was normally a happy-go-lucky guy who had a knack for finding the good side of people.

Jerry had a story to tell of his dislike for flying. As a young boy, a neighbor took him for an airplane ride. It was great fun until the prop came off and landed in a field below. After an exciting landing in the field, a neighbor said he would put the prop back on for the flight back home. Jerry decided to walk.

Jerry is survived by his children, Jay of Washington and Chad of Arizona, and his grandchild Tesia Eastep of Klamath Falls.