Jerry Matthew Vlahovich

Longtime resident and son of a prominent Spokane Valley family, Jerry M. Vlahovich, 72, died August 14 of complications following cardiac arrest three months shy of his 73rd birthday and wedding anniversary with his wife Kathie.

He was born November 16, 1945 in Price, Utah and moved here in 1948 after his father, John, purchased the Spokane Valley Herald newspaper.

Jerry graduated from West Valley High School in 1963 and was diagnosed with insulin dependent Type 1 diabetes the summer following high school graduation. He graduated from Washington State University in 1967. It was at WSU that he met Kathie and they married Nov 22, 1969.

A graphic artist, Jerry worked in the family business until leaving to found Why Not Graphics with fraternity brother John Mraz. He later returned to the Herald until its closure in 1992 and subsequently was employed at KAYU television and Sacred Heart Hospital until a stroke left him paralyzed on his right side. Paralysis never deterred him from his many projects, from artistry to home improvements.

For nearly 50 years, Jerry was happiest when spending time at the family lake home on Pend Oreille Lake sailing, fly fishing, and everything Washington athletics!  Part of his ashes will be spread at the lake.

Jerry and Kathie have three children, son Christian (CJ) and wife Molly, daughters Erin Koerper (Troy) and Tracie Wilson (Jason).

They have six grandchildren, Jack and Brady Vlahovich; Sam Koerper, and Sophia, Gabbie and JJ Wilson.

Also surviving are brothers John and Mike and their wives, Rusty and Tambra, six nieces and nephews.

Celebration of Life for family and friends will be Sunday August 26th on the rooftop of the Steam Plant Grill downtown Spokane at 4:00pm. Private burial services will be at Pines Cemetery in Spokane Valley. In lieu of flowers please take time to donate to American Diabetes Assoc., 315 W. Mission, 99201 and Camp Stix, a local juvenile diabetes camp, or the Spokane Ronald McDonald House Charity of the Inland Northwest, 1015 W. 5th Avenue, 99204.

GO COUGS!!