Gerald "Jerry" Ralph Rothenfluch

In Loving Memory of Gerald “Jerry” Ralph Rothenfluch ~ September 17, 1935 - October23,2025

Gerald “Jerry” Ralph Rothenfluch was born on September 17, 1935, in Milwaukie, Oregon, to Ralph Casper Rothenfluch and Doris Hermoine Gaddis-Rothenfluch. He grew up with three siblings—Donna May, Betty Jean, and Dean James.

Jerry attended St. John the Baptist Catholic School and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1953. Determined to put himself through college, he worked at BF Goodrich and Dieringer’s grocery store before earning his Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from the University of Portland in 1957. While at the University, he participated in the ROTC program, which led to six months of active duty at Fort Ord in California, followed by more than five years in the Army Reserves.

After college, Jerry began his career at Farmers Insurance, where he met the love of his life, Kathleen Ann Dudgeon. They married in 1963 after a seven-month courtship and built a life together filled with love, faith, and family. They were blessed with four daughters—Kari, Kim, Kristi, and Kasey (AKA “the fearsome-foursome”) —four grandchildren—Stephanie, Brett, Gabriella, and Dominic—and three great-grandchildren—Aria, Everette, and Jameson.

In 1974, Jerry launched his own insurance agency at the family’s kitchen table, later moving into the office space from which he retired at age 62. Following retirement, he served as an expert witness in court cases, reviewing policies to help plaintiffs regain their insurance coverage—work he found deeply meaningful and rewarding.

Service to others was a cornerstone of Jerry’s life. He held leadership roles across the Portland area, including Chairman of the Board for the Clackamas County Planning Commission, board member of Transition Projects—where he and his family served meals to the homeless monthly for over a decade—and long-time volunteer with St. Vincent de Paul, assisting clients through the emergency services office. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus, served on the Christ the King construction board during the building of the new church, and was a board member of the Happy Valley Fire Department.

Beyond his professional and volunteer commitments, Jerry was an avid outdoorsman and collector. He loved hunting deer, elk, and pheasant, fishing in the deep sea and in rivers, lakes, and streams, and sharing these experiences with his children and grandchildren. His collections included miniature liquor bottles from around the world, firearms, coins, foreign currencies, and precious metals. He also enjoyed history—especially World War II documentaries—yardwork, and giving his grandchildren joyful tractor rides around his property.

Jerry passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, at the age of 90. He will be remembered for his devotion to family, his generosity of spirit, and his unwavering commitment to faith and service.

To honor Jerry's memory, please consider a donation to your local St. Vincent de Paul chapter in place of flowers.