Jerry Marchel

Gerald D. “Jerry” Marchel, 88, of Ellensburg, went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Wednesday, February 28, 2024 at the Willow Springs Care Center in Yakima.  His graveside service will be conducted at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 7, 2024 at the Ellensburg IOOF Cemetery, followed by lunch at the Liberty Bible Church. Viewing for family and friends will be from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March 6 at Johnston & Williams in Ellensburg.

Jerry was born on August 3, 1935 near Odessa, Washington to Ellis & Madeline (Gies) Marchel. He spent his early years in the Odessa-Bridgeport area before the family moved to the Kittitas Valley, establishing the family farm on Parke Creek Road.  It was there that Jerry would call home for the rest of his life. He attended school in Kittitas and was exceptionally proud of his accomplishments as a “basketball star” at Kittitas High School.

It was also in school that Jerry met his sweetheart - as he would say “the prettiest girl I’d ever seen” - Phyllis Bare.  They dated all through high school and married on March 31, 1956.  They continued to make their home in the Valley, raising three wonderful children - Sherry, Chris and Scott.

From tending his cattle to overseeing crop upon crop of timothy hay, Jerry was a farmer through and through. He was a very hard worker and dedicated himself to continuing the Marchel family tradition of farming in the valley.  As he got older, he never really “retired”... just moved into more of a “supervisor” role as his sons took over operating the farm. Jerry wasn’t much for hunting, but over the years he was selected for three big game tags and he filled each of them - he managed to bag two bull elk and one bighorn sheep.

One of his favorite things in life was his 1950 Plymouth Deluxe, a car that he got brand new and continued to own until his death.  It was a car that had a very special meaning to him because, not only was it his very first car, it was the car that he took Phyllis out in on their first date. Over the years, the car developed some usual wear and tear and so, before his 50th wedding anniversary with Phyllis, Jerry had it fully restored from the ground up.

Faith in Jesus Christ was of the utmost importance to Jerry and he prayed every night for his children, grandchildren and others. He was very active in the Kittitas Community Church where he sang in the choir.  Serving the Lord was truly at the center of all that he did.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Phyllis; children Sherry Marchel, Chris (Karolyn) Marchel and Scott (Sarah) Marchel; “bonus son”/nephew Steve (Karen) Rommel; sister Vivian Marchel-Johnson as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, one great-great granddaughter, and a whole assortment of nieces, nephews and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers Hugh, Eldon and Arvin and his sisters Alvretta and Glenola.

Memorial contributions in Jerry’s honor are suggested to the Kittitas Community Church.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Johnston & Williams of Ellensburg. Online condolences may be left for the family at www.johnston-williams.com