Gerald Dale Lilja

Gerald (Jerry) Dale Lilja, born on September 22, 1941, in Rockford, Illinois, to Clarence and Josephine Lilja, and passed away peacefully in his sleep on June 17, 2024. He was the oldest of three brothers.

Jerry graduated from the Indiana Institute of Technology in 1963 with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering. Soon after, he moved to Seattle, where he began a distinguished career at Boeing. His professional journey spanned over four decades, including 20 years with Boeing, 15 years with Stanley Aviation, and an additional 5 years with Boeing as a contractor. His work took him from Seattle to Los Angeles, Denver, and back to Seattle, and on more than 20 international trips to 44 countries. Jerry co-authored two international patents, leaving a lasting impact on the engineering world.

In 1967, Jerry met Susan, a single mom who also worked at Boeing. They married on May 27 of that same year. Their family of three expanded a couple years later when Donna was born in 1971 and was complete when VaNica joined the family in 1988. Jerry was also a proud grandfather to 11 grandchildren, and great-grandfather to 9 great grandchildren.

Jerry loved people and he had friends all over the world. He had a zest for life and loved to golf, fish, and any reason to take the boat out on the water. He loved technology and innovation. He was an early adopter. He was that guy who had a 100’ antenna tower in is back yard so he could talk with people he didn’t know in China and Europe and Gig Harbor on his HAM radio—for free. He could call Susan on his way home from work to see if she needed anything from the store—from the car, before we had cell phones (this was in the 70’s).

In the early 1980s, Jerry and Susan reengaged with their Christian faith, serving and becoming active members of various church communities throughout their lives, including Issaquah Christian Church, Parker Christian Church, Christ’s Church Federal Way, Trinity Baptist congregation in Casa Grande, and First Baptist in Ferndale.

As Jerry’s career wound down, he and Susan embraced the freedom of travel, exploring the country in their motor home and visiting family across the United States. Eventually, they settled in Casa Grande, Arizona, to be near good friends before relocating to Ferndale to be closer to their eldest daughter.

Jerry spent his final months at the Life Care Center in Sedro Woolley, where he was cherished by caregivers and residents alike.

On Father’s Day, Jerry peacefully went to sleep, and in the early morning of June 17th, he passed from this earthly life into the arms of his Heavenly Father.

Jerry is survived by his loving wife Susan Lilja, his brother Jack Lilja, his daughters Diana (Scott) McCornack, Donna (Markus) Watt, and VaNica Pridgeon, his grandchildren Jade Watt, Brendan (Amanda) McCornack, Jocelyn McCornack, Morgan (Steven) Boring, Devon (Sara) McCornack, Lita Pridgeon, Christian (Tracy) Pridgeon, Matthew Chavez, MaKayla Pridgeon, Zach Pridgeon, Tay (Saraia) Kilcup, and his great-grandchildren Audrey, Ava, Skylynn, Nolan, Milo, Alaina, Violet and Joel.

Jerry was preceded in death by parents Clarence and Josephine, brother John, son-in-law Terry Pridgeon, and great grandbaby Lukas.

Jerry’s life was a living display of his faith, his quick wit, and his love for his family and friends. He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all who knew him.