Jerry Perkins Bissegger passed away July 18, 2019, in Temecula, California. Jerry was born in Montpelier, Idaho on March 17, 1941, the first of four children, to Rex Bissegger and Barbara (Bissegger) Freeman. He was raised in Montpelier and graduated from Montpelier High School.
Jerry married Diane Wilde on January 30, 1970 in the Salt Lake LDS Temple. He was a father to Marlo Caddel (1970), Brooke Silvas (1974), Nicole Bissegger (1977), and Brad Bissegger (1983). Jerry and Diane moved to Downey, California in 1970, and later to Riverside, California, where they made their home. Jerry worked for Texas Instruments and C.B. Fleet Pharmaceutical in the 1970s, and then for Ross Laboratories (Abbott) for 25 years. After retirement from Ross Laboratories, he worked for TKO Advertising in Orem, Utah, for many years.
Jerry was active in the LDS Church all his life, and answered many callings, including serving as a bishop in Riverside, California, and serving a mission in Michigan. As a Brigham Young University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in zoology, Jerry was a lifelong BYU Cougar fan and loved “The Y” with a passion. He was a dedicated football and sports fan and supported “the Cougs” with great love and dedication.
Though Jerry was struck with polio as a teenager and physicians believed that he would be wheelchair bound for life, he persevered and defied the doctors’ dire prognoses. Through long physical therapy sessions and grueling procedures, he defeated all odds and was able to walk again. He acquired a “no guts, no glory” attitude and shared that belief and mantra with his children in their own athletic and life endeavors. Jerry was dedicated to his children’s activities and loved being a “swim and baseball dad.” He never missed a swim meet or ballgame and was involved in all aspects of helping his kids to excel. Jerry served as Team President of the Riverside Aquatics Association (RAA) for many years in Riverside, California, and also volunteered as a parental chaperone for Junior National Swimming events and RAA travel team trips.
Jerry’s ability to overcome adversity in his teen years was a source of inspiration to many who knew him. He had a strong love for his church and family, and this was evident in the way that he lived his life and the memories that he held close to his heart. He was also an Elvis Presley fan and could always be found enjoying Elvis tunes and relaying stories about “The King” that brought him joy.
He is survived by his wife Diane Bissegger, and his children: Marlo (Steve) Caddel of Eugene, Oregon, Brooke (Ryan) Silvas of Temecula, California, Nicole Bissegger (Christian Negrete) of San Clemente, California, and Brad (Ashley) Bissegger of Winchester, California; 13 grandchildren: Brynn Caddel, Aidan Caddel, Shea Caddel, Devon Silvas, Mekenzie Silvas, Jordan Silvas, Baron Bissegger, Bodhi Bissegger, Brixlee Bissegger, Blake Hidalgo, Damien Negrete, Nolan Negrete, and Colin Negrete.
A funeral, under the direction of Schwab-Matthews Mortuary, will be held Saturday, July 27th, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at the Montpelier Cemetery.