Gerald (Jerry) Eugene Phelps completed his journey here on earth December 16, 2023, just shy of his 97th birthday. He was born to Willmer and Minnie (Larsen) Phelps on February 3, 1927 in Montpelier, Idaho. He is survived by his younger brother Richard and preceded in death by his older brother Lloyd.
Jerry graduated from Montpelier High School in 1945 and almost immediately was inducted into the Army and stationed in Fort McPherson, Georgia. After being honorably discharged at the rank of corporal in 1947 he married a Georgia girl, Mildred (Millie) Bragg and brought her home to Bear Lake.
Jerry and Millie were married 77 years and had two children, Sherry (spouse Dave) Shelton and Stephen (spouse Lanitta) Phelps. They had six grandchildren, Kimberly (spouse Jim) Tippetts, Chris (spouse Christy) Phelps, Brandi (spouse Bryan) Henrie, Ben (spouse DanaLee) Phelps, Ryan Shelton and Robert Shelton. There are 19 great grandkids and 7 great, great grandkids.
Jerry had a full and diverse life. He began his working career working at the grain mill in Montpelier but soon became part owner at a local grocery store. One day a customer told him of an opportunity to manage his own Chevron service station which he did from 1952 to 1974. He then owned and operated a tire store, trailer and snowmobile sales from 1966 to 2004. He even did a little farming on the side at a place he had in Fish Haven Canyon.
Among other things he and his wife owned and operated the Sunset Motel. He was Chairman of the Board of Directors for Tri-State Bank for several years until it was purchased by Zions Bank. He was a member of the Jaycees, Lions Club, Rotary Club and a founding member of Bear Lake Watch.
With his wife he traveled Europe, China, Africa, Canada, Mexico, New Zealand and all over the United States. There were cruises with family and friends and fishing, hunting, skiing and snowmobiling.
He loved living on the lake shore in Garden City, Utah and spent many hours recreating and enjoying the beauty of Bear Lake. He most enjoyed having his grandkids come to visit.
Jerry left a legacy of a life well-lived and a man well-loved by his family and friends.
Funeral services for Jerry will be live streamed at "Schwab Matthews Mortuary" on Facebook. To view the service, go their Facebook page, make sure you are following it, the service will begin live streaming as soon as the funeral service begins. The funeral can be viewed any time after the service as well at the same place.
If you would like to make a donation, please donate to Bear Lake Watch at https://bearlakewatch.com