Gerald "Jerry" Letsinger
A much loved husband, father, brother, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle and local real estate legend, Gerald “Jerry” Letsinger passed away on Friday, October 12th, 2018, at the age of 85. Jerry is survived by his wife of 65 years, Anna Letsinger; his sister Claudia and brother-inlaw Clarence Williams; his daughter Vicki and son-in-law Rick Conway. Grandchildren: Richie and Lisette Conway, Marissa and Bryce Blood, Colton and Kyla Conway, Dylan Letsinger, Ian Letsinger, and Quinn Letsinger. Great granddaughter Journey, and several nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Claude and Mildred Letsinger; brother Jack Letsinger; son Cary Letsinger, and mother-inlaw Mable Frame.
Jerry was born on February 16th, 1933 at the Miller House, in Porterville (2 doors away/about 120’ from his current office desk). He graduated from Porterville High School in 1951, where he played football and ran track. He went on to attend Fresno State College, where he was in the ROTC program.
In 1953, Jerry married Anna Lee Monroe at the First Congregational Church on Mill Street in Porterville. After graduating college in 1955 with a teaching credential, he taught 6th grade until he joined the U.S. Air Force where he finished first in his class in gunnery school in Arizona, and flew F-84F Thunderstreak Fighter-bombers. Jerry first reported for duty in San Antonio, Texas, and then he moved on to Winterhaven, Florida. In October of 1956, Anna gave birth to their daughter Vicki, while they were stationed in Loredo, Texas. In 1957, back in California, Jerry taught 6th grade at George Washington Carver Elementary School in Fresno, continuing to serve in the Air Force Reserves. In 1958, Jerry joined his brother Jack in the real estate business, which was the start of his grand career. In October of 1960, Anna gave birth to their son Cary. In 1968, Jerry retired from the Air Force Reserves as a Captain. The mid 1960’smid 1970’s, he was very involved in supporting the school district, and was President of the Porterville Spirit Club. In 1973, Jerry received the PTA Life Service Award, he was President of the Porterville Exchange Club, an Elk’s Club member, and helped with Porterville College Boosters.
In 1979, Jerry opened the new Letsinger Realty (real estate office) at #1 W. Morton. He was the Orange Belt Board of Realtors (OBBR), Realtor of the Year in 1982, and went on to be the OBBR President in 1984.
In September of 1985, Jerry was blessed with his first grandchild (Richie), who in turn, gave him the name “Pop”. Jerry went on to have 6 grandchildren total throughout the next 10 years, and in June of 2016 received his first great-grandchild (Journey).
In 2003, the California Association of Realtors gave Jerry an Honorary Member for Life Award for years of distinguished service. In April of 2010, Jerry began dialysis for failed kidneys, but continued working 6 days a week. For the first 7 years, he drove himself to, and from dialysis, still serving his buyers and sellers (before, during, and after dialysis). In 2012, OBBR awarded him the OBBR Distinguished Service award. This last summer (2018), Jerry celebrated 60 years of being in business at Letsinger Realty.
Jerry will be remembered for his hard work ethic, tenacity, never-quitattitude, and that loud, infectious laugh. He loved spending time at Camp Nelson, Morro Bay, and Cambria, especially when he was with his family. Besides enjoying spending time with his grandchildren, he loved his dogs Bella, Daisy, Freckles, and all the cats.
Jerry was a loving husband, in the words of Anna, “I always had to be careful for what I wished for, because if Jerry heard me, I would have it the next day.”
Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2018 from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Myers Chapel. A memorial service will be held Friday, October 19, 2018 at 11:00 AM at Myers Chapel, followed by a luncheon gathering at Myers Chapel reception hall. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, please donate to the charity of your choice in honor of Jerry.
To sign the family guest book or send condolences please go to www. myersfuneral.com. Myers Funeral Services & Crematory in Porterville is in charge of arrangements.