Jerry Medler

Upon graduation from Northwestern University, he moved to Eugene, with his wife, Mary Beth, whose family lived in Salem. He often said that the first time he visited Oregon, he knew he had found his place. He was accepted into the University of Oregon’s doctorate program in Political Science. Upon completion, Jerry and Mary Beth began their adventures. By this time they had three children, Michael, Becky, and Alex. Their travels took their young family to Columbia and Brazil, where Jerry taught.

Following those travels, Jerry became an assistant professor at the U of O in the Political Science Department. During his sabbaticals, the family would again travel to other countries such as New Zealand where he would teach and their children would go to school. Once their children were grown, Jerry and Mary Beth continued their travels to China and Japan where he taught as well.

Jerry retired from the U of O in the early 2000’s, and he and Mary Beth moved to Florence. Shortly thereafter, Mary Beth was diagnosed with a serious illness, and with Jerry’s loving care, survived for three years, passing in 2005.

In 2006, Jerry and Micki met and became close friends and then partners. They married in Florence with Micki’s child, Lisa, and Jerry’s children in attendance. Jerry and Micki were travelers and made many trips to European countries.

In their later years, Jerry and Micki spent the winter months in Venice, Florida, enjoying bicycling and swimming. One of their shared joys was belonging to and volunteering with a nonprofit jazz club in Venice. They both were jazz enthusiasts, and Jerry was a self-taught musician, playing guitar, bass, and piano. Micki and many others enjoyed listening to Jerry play.

Jerry and Micki felt very fortunate to be with each other for 20 years. Jerry is survived by Micki, his children, many grandchildren, a great grandson, and numerous longtime friends and colleagues. His family is planning a celebration of Jerry’s life in Florence, to be announced at a later time.