Services for Gerald Eugene Didrickson have been scheduled 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 23, at St. Michael’s Cathedral.
Graveside services will be at 12:30 p.m. at Sitka National Cemetery, and a luncheon reception will be at 1 p.m. at the Sheet’ka Kwaan Naa Kahidi community house.
Jerry passed away peacefully in his sleep on Oct. 17, with his children by his side. He was in the long-term care unit at Sitka Community Hospital.
Jerry was born May 20, 1938, in Sitka to Elizabeth Didrickson. His father was Andrew Kitka.
He grew up in Sitka, and attended local schools until he was 17, when he earned his GED so he could enlist in the U.S. Marines. He was accepted into the Marines on April 3, 1956, and served in the First Platoon 167.
After his discharge on April 15, 1962, he returned to Sitka and worked at Sitka Cold Storage, then as a longshoreman with Southeast Stevedoring for many years.
He also worked at SEARHC as a patient care extender then as a certified nursing assistant.
He met and in 1971 married Karen Graves. They had three children, Christian, Vanessa and Deanne Didrickson.
His interests included photography, hunting and fishing, City League basketball, baseball, and being active in his children’s and grandchildren’s lives.
He played City League basketball, on the ANB team, into his early 60’s.
He was a member of the American Legion.
Jerry is survived by his children, Chris, Vanessa and Deanne Didrickson, all of Sitka; grandchildren Levi and Mason Shearer; brother Boyd Didrickson, Sitka; and numerous nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Elizabeth Didrickson, and a brother, Donald “Duck” Didrickson.
Pallbearers will be Chris Didrickson, Levi and Mason Shearer, Kendall Didrickson and Zane Bacon.
Honorary pallbearers will be Boyd Didrickson, Herbie Didrickson Sr., Herbie Didrickson Jr., Harold Kitka, Harvey Kitka and Frank Joseph.
Those wishing to make memorial contributions to the family may do so in care of Harry Race Pharmacy, 106 Lincoln St.
