GERALD NELSON MARQUIS
Gerald Nelson Marquis, 87, passed away peacefully in his home on August 16, 2024 after a battle with prostate cancer.
Gerald (Jerry) was born in Hughson, California to Glen and Wanda Marquis.
Jerry lived in Hughson until the age of 12 when he and his family moved to Oakdale. He attended Oakdale Elementary School and graduated from Oakdale High School in 1955 where he served as Student Body President. He then studied at Stockton College and graduated from University of the Pacific in 1960 with a business degree.
Jerry met his wife Barbara in middle school, and they eventually became high school sweethearts. They married just after college and lived in Stockton for a few years before moving back to Oakdale so Jerry could continue farming with his father. Barbara and Jerry had four children: David, Annemarie (Sissy), Lucretia and Jeanne.
When their children were young, the entire family became involved in the Oakdale Swim Team. Long before the phenom of Katie Ledecky, Jerry knew that young girls could excel in the sport of swimming and he wanted to introduce that world not only to his young daughters, but to every child in the Oakdale community. Jerry was the city swim coach for over 15 years where he taught many young children a love of the water, as well as all the important life skills borne of competition: dedication, collaboration and mutual support.
Jerry’s ambition continued to propel him through life – both in farming and his life-long passion for real estate. As a young boy, Jerry grew up on a ranch where they raised dairy cows, chickens and many different varieties of fruits and vegetables. Later in life he co-farmed with his father where they focused on peaches and almonds. To Jerry, farming was a religion, and tilling the dirt on his beloved tractor was his favorite pastime.
In mid-life, Jerry delved into real estate where he and Barbara created Corporate Development – a well-respected real estate business in Oakdale specializing in agricultural properties. Jerry continued to successfully cultivate Corporate Development with the help of Rhonda Waddell, his business colleague of over 40 years. Jerry’s business door was always open to clients, family and friends – who he would encourage to swing by and share a bit of knowledge and/or a glass of wine. He was known for his ‘dad-joke’ sense of humor, and endlessly teasing his friends. Visitors would often leave his office with a big smile and bottle of wine in their hands! Along with his sense of humor, Jerry was best known for his eternal optimism, his overwhelming generosity and his steadfast loyalty – he was completely devoted to his family and community of friends. Jerry’s kindness made a positive, indelible impact on every life he touched. He will be deeply missed.
Jerry is survived by his wife of 65 years Barbara, his sister Gwen Marquis, his daughter Sissy (son-in-law Dave Schaaf), his daughter Lucretia, (son-in-law Scott DeLaMare), his daughter Jeanne, and three grandchildren: Joe and Hank Schaaf and Julia DeLaMare. Jerry’s son David Marquis preceded him in death.
Jerry’s family would like to encourage all their male friends to get regular PSA tests when doing routine blood work – a simple test to screen for prostate cancer.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Community Hospice of Modesto or the UCSF Prostate Cancer Center (in memory of Jerry Marquis). https://fundraise.givesmart.com/e/I1X7Fw?vid=16sdha or https://giving.ucsf.edu/fund/prostate-cancer
The Oakdale (Calif.) Leader
The Riverbank (Calif.) News
Aug. 28, 2024
