Gary and Renate Jefferson
10/28/1936- 2/2/2024 and 4/17/1936-2/10/2024 Temecula, CA
Gary Jefferson- 10/28/1936-2/2/2024
Renate Jefferson 4/17/1946-2/10/2024
Gary and Renate Jefferson's lives were a testament to love and devotion. They built beautiful relationships with their friends and family, a wonderful home in Temecula where all were welcome, and a life full of love and respect.
Gary, born on October 28, 1936, in San Pedro, California, was a man of skill and compassion. After graduating from North Platte High School, he joined the United States Navy where he was honorably discharged. In the following years, Gary began a career as an electrician for the city of Huntington Beach. Later, with a growing family, he studied Education and Industrial Arts at California State University Long Beach; he later earned a Master’s of Arts degree in Education at the University of Idaho. Gary educated students in Industrial Arts for 35 years and taught the love of woodworking to thousands of students. Beyond his professional life, he found joy in woodworking, golf with friends, bike riding, and reading. He dedicated over 20 years to Centennial High School in Corona and was a proud Husky!
Renate, born on April 17, 1946, in Hamburg, Germany, embarked on her own journey of discovery. At the age of 19, she immigrated to America, where she met Gary. Renate and Gary married in 1967, starting a family filled with love and laughter. Upon moving to Idaho, for a new adventure chapter in their family life, she started her higher educational pursuits at Lewis and Clark State College. At LCSC, Renate studied English Language Arts and Education.
Renate dedicated 20 years to teaching English before taking on the role of principal at Murrieta Valley High School. For 12 years, she led the school with passion and dedication, nurturing it to become the largest high school in California at the time. Renate was a mentor and role model for many educators, her influence and robust support helped shape the lives of students and educators around her. Her zest for life extended beyond her career; she enjoyed nature walks, poetry, reading, gardening, and tending to her beloved white roses. She was a proud Nighthawk!
Together, Gary and Renate enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, such as swimming and spending time at the beach. Their love for each other was evident in everything they did, creating a bond that was unbreakable (even when their beloved teams played each other!). Both are survived by their children Brian (Michelle), Kristina (Mark), and Tracy, and their grandchildren Angus, Ashley, Ireland, and Hanna. Judy, Ary, Erik, and Noah were dear to Gary and Renate along with family near and far in Germany, Kentucky, Nebraska, Nevada, and the UK.
A joint Celebration of Life service will be held at the Murrieta Valley High School Theatre on March 23, 2024, at 1:00 p.m. In memory of their commitment to education. Donations can be made to the Murrieta Dollars for Scholars Jefferson Memorial Scholarship. Gary and Renata's love story is a reminder of the power of love and the impact it can have on those around them. May they rest in peace, forever together in eternity with God.