Jerome C. Kollodge

Jerome C. Kollodge of Sisters died June 15, 2008, of cancer at age 71.

He was born to Alphonse and Irene (Lysher) Kollodge April 29, 1937 in Holdingford, Minnesota. A star athlete in high school, Jerry played quarterback at St. John's University where he graduated with a degree in physics and mathematics. He worked as an aerospace engineer at Honeywell and later at Ball Corporation, specializing in laser optic instrumentation used on several space flight missions.

After a 35-year career in the aerospace industry he moved to Sisters to be near his children and grandchildren.

Jerry loved fishing and hunting. He enjoyed inventing and developing innovative products and bringing them to market. His most recent invention is the one-of-a-kind Compound Fishing Rod. Jerry was proud and gratified to have achieved success with this endeavor, and field-testing his rods in the beautiful outdoors brought him great joy. 

Jerry and his wife of 31 years, Deborah, enjoyed traveling extensively throughout North America in their RV. Together they shared several cross-country trips and numerous adventures on the Oregon Coast with children, grandchildren and other family members and friends. Jerry was a self-taught, skilled guitarist and was renowned for leading many a sing-a-long at gatherings.

Survivors include his wife Deborah (Donnelly) Kollodge; three children from his first marriage to Mary Ellen (Kennedy) Kollodge: daughter Kristine (Philippe) Rerat of Sisters; sons Patrick Kollodge (Abby Merickel) of Maupin; and William (Mutsuko) Kollodge of Vancouver, Washington; grandchildren Rosita, Claire, Mack, Lily, Sage; sisters Carol, Katherine and Susan; brothers Marvin and Roland; numerous nieces and nephews; and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his brother Don and sister Marlene.

A graveside service will be held at Camp Polk Cemetery Saturday, June 21, at 10 a.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice of Redmond-Sisters, 732 S.W. 23rd St., Redmond, OR 97756.

Information provided by the family of Jerome C. Kollodge.