Jerry Neil Wallace

Jerry Wallace, 74, of Boise died unexpectedly of a heart attack at his home on March 9, 2023. Born December 1, 1948, in Emmett, Idaho to Alvis Ray “Hap” and Anna Fairchild Wallace, Jerry was the youngest of three children. He attended Bonners Ferry High School and was active and held leadership roles in FFA and 4-H, graduating in 1967. In 1971 Jerry received his degree from the University of Idaho after which he accepted a job in Spokane, Washington. He returned to the University of Idaho obtaining his second degree. He began working for the University of Idaho as an Assistant Business Officer during which time he earned a Master of Business Administration degree and had a 29-year career ultimately retiring as the University’s Vice President for Finance and Administration. After retirement he co-founded IdaBuild, a real estate development company.

While at school, Jerry met Cheryl (née Behler), the love of his life. They married on August 30, 1969, in Ferdinand, Idaho. The couple had three children, Keith (1971), Brian (1974), and Angie (1975), who they both loved and adored. Some of his greatest joy came from his three children and their adventures. They created many memories while enjoying family trips across the U.S., Europe, and camping across Idaho highlighted by annual family reunions. With the kids active in sports and music, Dad and Mom could be found watching every game and performance good or bad through rain or shine.

He took an active role in the lives of his grandchildren sharing advice on life skills and how to treat people with kindness and respect. He loved taking Angie’s “Grandboys” out on adventures around the Treasure Valley to museums, hikes, and, like their parents, was present to watch every game and activity always with his camera at the ready. He loved visiting Keith and Maureen and the “Montana grandkids” always spoiling them with their favorite treats, showing them how to use tools to get a job done, and listening intently to their stories. And, after his son Brian and Michelle relocated to Hawai’i, he loved visiting the islands, doing so more than anyone else, to play with his youngest “Wahine” granddaughter on the beaches, parks, and playgrounds of Oahu.

Jerry was a man of integrity, loyal to his family and profession, and was someone that held a deep faith in the Catholic religion. Every morning he would spend time with Bible study towards better understanding God’s plan and working tirelessly towards becoming a better husband, father, grandfather, friend, and servant of God. He was a vibrant participant and volunteer within the Our Lady of the Rosary community and would seek out opportunities to attend mass and listen to God’s word wherever he traveled. It is with this firm conviction to his faith, and his love of God, that his family is consoled knowing he is smiling with loved ones in heaven.

Jerry is survived by his wife Cheryl, his children; Keith (Maureen), Brian (Michelle), Angie, grandchildren Sarah, Samuel, Stone, Nile and Anna, brother Harvey (Margie), father-in-law Harold Behler, sister-in-law Jerene (Pete) Gertonson, brother-in-law Dennis (Tracy) Behler.
Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Hap and Anna, sister Beverly Bryan Harsin, mother-in-law LaVon Behler, and numerous cousins, aunts, uncles, and friends.

Services will be held at Our Lady of the Rosary Catholic Church Thursday March 16, 2023. The viewing will be at 12:30pm, the rosary will be prayed at 1:00pm, and the service will be at 1:30pm with a reception following and internment at Morris Hill Cemetery.