Gerrald "Jerry" Cotterell

JERRY COTTERELL IDAHO FALLS, ID -- Jerry "L" Cotterell, of Idaho Falls, passed away at age 78 on December 24, 2008, after battling cancer. He was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather and was able to pass away peacefully in his home. Jerry was born on May 23, 1930, the only child of Leslie and Mary Maurine Bird Cotterell. He was born and raised in Idaho Falls, Idaho. At a young age, Jerry took an interest in playing the guitar and learned it so well that he was able to join a band called the Range Riders in his teenage years. Jerry shared his love of music with many guitar students and with his three children and ten grandchildren. Jerry served in the U. S. Army during the Korean War and was a member of the Veteran's of Foreign Wars. He worked at the Idaho Falls Post Office until his retirement. During this time, he served as the Union President and remained active in the union after retirement. After retiring from the Post Office, Jerry spent many years teaching guitar and spending time with family and friends. Jerry was a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and had a firm testimony in our Savior Jesus Christ. He loved working with youth and contributed for many years to the 4-H program. He was the 4-H leader for his children and many neighbor kids and was able to share his love of geology with them. Jerry is survived by his wife, Arlene, his children, Janice (Rich) Rankin, Jim (Gretchen) Cotterell, and Joseph (Nicole) Cotterell, and his grandchildren, Joshua (Charlee) Rankin, Christopher (Melissa) Rankin, Lindsay Rankin, Brian Rankin, Andrew Rankin, Maren Cotterell, Jordan Cotterell, Jaksen Cotterell, Emily Cotterell, Tyler Cotterell and two great-grandchildren, Austin Rankin and Abigail Rankin. The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, December 27, 2008, at the Idaho Falls LDS Church at 1200 Dunbar Drive. A viewing will be held Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge, and on Saturday from 10 to 10:45 a.m. at the church. Burial will be at Fielding Memorial Park Cemetery with Military Rites by the Bonneville County Veterans Memorial Team and the Idaho Honor Guard. --------------------------------------------- Condolences received online: Richard Cramer xgiguy_1999@yahoo.com I remember Jerry as almost always having a smile on his face. In all my visits over the last 10 years I can’t remember a time when Jerry was downcast, even considering all his frailties. My thoughts and prayers are with you in the difficult days ahead. May your good memories bring comfort and your faith bring you hope. My sister Bonnie and her husband are spending the holidays with their family in Alaska and with the road conditions between us being so bad, attending the services will not be possible for us. Jack Caldwell To Arlene & family, We wish to send our sincere condolences. Jerry will be greatly missed by all of us who worked out with him at the pulmonary rehab & visited with him at the truck stop. Matt Hammer mhammer@heymatt.com I took guitar lessons from Jerry when I was 8 years old and I'm still playing to this day. Countless times over the years I have reflected on his guidance and the way he fostered my budding talent. My condolences go out to Jerry's family and all the knew him. Thank you, Jerry, from the bottom of my heart. Matt Hammer Marilyn Miller marilyn.miller@hcahealthcare.com Arlene & family, I am so sorry for your loss. Jerry and I go way back and I will always have nothing but fond memories of him. I will keep you in my prayers. Sincerely, Marilyn Miller