Gerald William VanZuyen Sr., 81, of Richland, Washington, passed away peacefully in Richland, Washington on November 12, 2024. He was born on February 20, 1943, in Jerome, Idaho, to Joe and Reata VanZuyen. Gerald graduated from Jerome High School and then attended Idaho State University in Pocatello taking classes to be a body and fender technician. He then embarked on a lifelong career in farming, where he built a legacy of hard work and devotion to family.

In 1963, Gerald married the love of his life, Marjorie Wyatt. Together, they raised four children: Teresa, Lisa, Gerald Jr. "Jerry", and Jennifer, who was the apple of his eye and preceded him in death. In 1970, Gerald and Marge relocated their family from Idaho to Washington, where they expanded their farming operations. Over the years, Gerald developed a deep love for growing sugar beets and alfalfa hay, and at the height of his career, he proudly farmed over 5,000 acres. Known for his impeccable fleet of John Deere tractors, complete with matching chrome exhaust stacks, Gerald's passion for farming was matched only by his pride in the land he worked.

In the early 1980s, Gerald and Marge took over the family business, Wyatt's Pancake Corral, renaming it The Country Gentleman in 1983. The restaurant quickly became a beloved local gathering spot, where friends and neighbors would meet to share stories and discuss the world's problems. In time, they expanded and opened a second location in Pasco, further cementing their place in the community.

Gerald and Marge instilled a strong work ethic in their children from a young age. The kids worked alongside their parents—whether it was changing sprinkler pipe on the farm or helping at the restaurants. Jerry eventually followed in his father's footsteps, taking over the farming operation, while Teresa and Lisa worked at The Country Gentleman, building lasting relationships with customers.

Beyond his farming accomplishments, Gerald was a devoted father and grandfather, always offering moral support to his children and grandchildren in every aspect of their lives, whether it was their education, careers, or personal endeavors. His unwavering love for his family was the cornerstone of his life.

In retirement Gerald enjoyed breakfast and coffee with buddies every morning, stopping in and checking on his grandsons and going to college football games. He was a gifted piano player and would surprise many when he sat down at the piano and began to play beautiful music.

Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, Joe and Reata, and his youngest daughter, Jennifer. He is survived by his beloved wife, Marjorie, and their children: Teresa Musser (Scott) of Pasco, Lisa Johnson (Lee) of Seattle, and Gerald "Jerry" VanZuyen of Kennewick. He also leaves behind seven grandchildren: Jake, Josh, Jacqueline, Wyatt, Garth, Cheyenne, and Madeline, as well as seven great-grandchildren.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at the Musser Bros. Hangar, 3125 Rickenbacker Drive, Pasco, WA. All are welcome to attend and stay afterward for a catered luncheon in honor of Gerald's life and legacy.

For those who can not make it in person there will be a live broadcast, please visit: https://evt.live/celebration-of-life-gerald-vanzuyen-sr