Jerry D. Kirkpatrick passed away September 8, 2026 at his home near West Linn, Oregon. He was born on August 16, 1937 in Sandyville, Iowa, and grew up in the nearby farming community of Pleasantville.

Jerry began his lifelong interest in journalism and writing working during high school at Pleasantville’s weekly newspaper. He went on to major in Journalism at the University of Iowa, receiving B.A. and M.A. degrees. He also received a J.D. degree from the Lewis & Clark College School of Law.

Jerry spent the majority of his career at the Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory in Portland, Oregon as its Director of Development and Communications. He retired from NWREL in 2003.

In his retirement Jerry authored three novels of political intrigue and a satire on the ancient Roman Empire.

Jerry is survived by two daughters, Wendy (Steve) Bevel, Santa Clarita, California, and Page (Phil) Gianella, Hubbard, Oregon; six grandchildren, Brittny (Tony) Bevel, Tampa, Florida, Nathan (Sarah) Bevel, Santa Clarita, California, Tygh (Mindy) Gianella, Mt. Angel, Oregon; Tevin (Amy) Gianella, Cloverdale, Oregon, Trey (Sami) Gianella, Tualatin, Oregon, and Trent (Kelly) Gianella, The Dalles, Oregon; and seven great-grand children, Hazel, Kella, Lyndy, Landon, Brody, Johnny and Mason.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Virginia, long-time residents of Pleasantville, wife Corky, and son Scott.

Funeral services will be private. A Celebration of Life will be held at his residence on Saturday, Oct 3rd at 2:00 PM.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to the Pleasantville High School Scholarship Fund’s “Jerry Kirkpatrick Award”, Attn. Mack Jorth, 415 Jones Street, Pleasantville, IA 50225.