Jerold W. Power, 96, passed away Friday, September 10, 2021, at Idaho State
Veterans Home in Lewiston, Idaho.
Jerold was born on August 6, 1925, in Colome, South Dakota, to George and Nora
(Krauss) Power. The family arrived on the Palouse when he was 10 years old and he
graduated from Palouse High School in 1943.
In November, 1944, Jerold was inducted into the Army for combat duty in World War II.
He spent 16 months in combat in the Philippines. Later, he and several others were
readied for the invasion of Japan. On his birthday, August 6, 1945, the first atomic bomb
was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan, and three days later, the second bomb was dropped
on Nagasaki, Japan. Jerold was sent to Hiroshima shortly thereafter. He received
several medals for his service, including the Bronze Star. Jerold was one of the last
living World War II veterans on the Palouse.
On June 12, 1948, Jerold married Dolores (Syms) Power in Onecho, Washington. The
couple made their home in Palouse, Washington.
After harvest season in 1950, Jerold was recalled to active duty and served in the
Korean Conflict as a staff sergeant, training new recruits for combat duty.
In 1967, the couple moved to Wallowa County, Oregon, for a new adventure. They
loved the area but work was scarce. So, in 1971, the couple moved to Moscow, Idaho,
where Jerold worked for the University of Idaho until his retirement in 1990.
Jerold enjoyed ranching, farming, hunting, fishing, and horse trips into the mountains.
But most of all, Jerold enjoyed his family and friends. He loved going to reunions, family
gatherings, or watching grandchildren play basketball, baseball, football, track,
volleyball, and even cheerleading. He did this throughout his life. He will truly be
missed.
Jerold was preceded in death by his wife, Dolores, of 63 years; brother George W.
Power; grandchildren Brandon Power and Tina Bies; and great grandchild Aaron
Power.
Survivors include sons, Jerold D. (Roxanne) of Goodyear, Arizona; Gale (Michele) of
Walla Walla, Washington; Gary of Huntington, Oregon; Daryl (Kathie) of Troy, Idaho;
and daughters, Connie Hepburn (Dean) of Damascus, Oregon; Terri Seifert (Jim) of
Irrigon, Oregon; sister, Carol Wilcox of Wenatchee, Washington; and brother, Myron
Power (Marie) of Cheney, Washington. He is also survived by 18 grandchildren, 35
great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.
Graveside services will be held on October 2, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at the Palouse,
Washington Cemetery, with a gathering to follow for family and friends at the Palouse
Community Center.
In lieu of flowers and gifts, Jerold and his family request that all donations be given to
Inland Northwest Honor Flights, 608 W. 2nd Avenue, Ste 309, Spokane, Washington
99201. Jerold’s experience on an Honor Flight was very moving and he wanted to help
other Veterans be given this opportunity.
Kramer Funeral Home of Palouse, Washington is caring for the family. On line condolences may be left at www.kramercares.com
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