Jerry Allen Schlagel
Santa Barbara Local gone too soon!
Jerry passed away unexpectedly of natural causes at his home in Bass Lake, California surrounded by the redwoods and his dog Stella. His family and friends hearts are broken by this sudden news. If there are tears in heaven they have been raining down on us all.
Jerry’s outgoing, likable, engaging, playful and caring presence will be missed tremendously. He was loved by his friends and neighbors, but especially his two daughters, Michele and Emily, and his family.
Jerry attended Jefferson Elementary School, Santa Barbara Jr High (where he was on the chess & golf team) and Santa Barbara High School Class of 76. Go Dons!
He grew up on the beaches & mountains of SB; and also camping up at Rancho Oso and water skiing at Lake Nacimiento in the good old days.
He worked as a cement finisher with his dad and brothers and then got his contractors license and went out on his own doing many jobs around beautiful Santa Barbara. He also was a great handyman and could fix anything around the house. He enjoyed woodworking and made wood candle holders and bowls which he learned from his father.
He was a die-hard Rams fan attending many tailgate parties at games back in the day. He also loved playing golf with his brothers and friends.
He married Monica Bender in 1992 and they had two beautiful daughters who were the love and joy of his life. He was a loving & passionate dad. They loved walking the dogs on the beach in SB together and had many fun times up at Bass Lake with their friends & family. Jerry loved pulling the kids behind his boat teaching them how to waterski or just having fun on the rafts.
He is preceded in death by his mother Roberta, his brother Mark and most recently his father Don who passed away this past Thanksgiving.
He is survived by his two daughters Michele and Emily & their mom Monica. His brothers Mike & Randy, sister Teresa, sister in law Lisa, niece Alexandra, nephew Preston, in laws Rudy & Hilde, Karen, Deb, and long time friends Suzette, Mike M. Richard, the Gudgeons, the Colburns and many many cousins and friends as well as his dog Stella.
Our father, brother, uncle, lover and friend we hold you near and dear in our hearts and memories of all the good times we’ve shared (Laughing, joking, playing games, dancing, swimming, sledding, skiing, golfing & cheering during football season; but especially your big teddy bear loving smile). Carry on as our bright star beyond- cheering us on until we meet with you again in the great beyond. You will forever be with us in our hearts.
Say hi to mom, dad and Mark for us. Our family will never be the same without you guys! We love you & miss you!
A ‘Celebration of Life’ will be held on Saturday June 22 from 12:00 to 4:00 pm at Upper Manning Park in Montecito.