Jerry Lee Platz , April 08, 1950 — December 24, 2018

OBITUARY Jerry Lee Platz April 8, 1950 – December 24, 2018 On April 8, 1950, Jerry Lee Platz was born at Holy Rosary Hospital in Ontario, OR to Nelda and Howard Platz of New Plymouth, ID. Jerry left us on December 24th, 2018 at the age of 68. In his life, Jerry had many passions: family and friends, pets, cars, and patriotism, to name a few.

Jerry grew up on farms and ranches in the New Plymouth area. At an early age he developed a strong love for animals, especially dogs. Jerry also grew a deep appreciation of family at a young age, starting with an intense sense of loyalty, respect, and adoration for his parents and other elders in his family.

Jerry’s life-long love of cars and other mechanical things began as a boy when he tinkered on cars with his dad. Throughout his life, Jerry shared his mechanical knowledge and love for cars with anyone who took interest. Jerry entered the army in 1968 and served as a chief engineer on the transport helicopters.

He was proud of his service years and let everyone know that. His vet status was important to him as a sign of his patriotism. While in Viet Nam, Jerry and his crewmembers were shot down four times behind enemy lines, and he was able to get the helicopter back to base each time.

While on leave in 1969, Jerry married his first wife, Karen Marie York of New Plymouth, ID. They raised 3 children together; Rebecca Burgess, Tracey Platz, and Angela Lenz. Many children came in and out of their home over the years and at one time the count he made of kids that they had helped over the years in this way were about 50.

Jerry struggled with his health during the last few years of his life. He worked hard to keep his health up and spent his time trying to make the most of what time he may have had left. Jerry became close with his friend Anne and he decided to take life by the Horns and do what made him happy, so Jerry eloped with Anne on December 09, 2017 and then they had a marriage celebration in June of 2018.

That year Jerry was visibly happier than he had been in some time. In spite of his health issues and the fact that none of us were ready to lose our Dad, Grandpa, Poppi, husband, or friend, he passed away a happy man. Jerry is survived by his brother, Terry Platz and family, three children, ten grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, his loving wife, Anne Horn Platz, and many more friends and relatives whom his words, laughter, and love have affected more than he will ever know.

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