Jerry was born in Seattle to Eugene and Elizabeth Sengstock. His parents owned a neighborhood store, Hilltop Grocery, where he often shared “penny” candy with his friends. He graduated from Highline High School in 1955, during which time he joined the Navy as a seamen recruit and trained on the USS Lexington aircraft carrier in San Diego, CA. He married Sonya Cathey in 1957 and they had two children, Suzanne Rene and Scott E.

Jerry was adventuresome and often said he “shot from the hip”. In the 1960’s the Sengstock family made a trip to Vashon Island. He impulsively bought an old farmhouse that day. This remodel opened the door for him to explore his visionary talents and passion for building and architecture. He moved quickly from small jobs to his legacy of custom homes and commercial properties. He built the K-2 factory, the Vashon Pharmacy, and developed the new Thriftway Complex. The Sengstocks were early members of the Vashon Island Golf and Country Club. Jerry was also an active member in the Jaycee’s, Kiwanis Club and Quartermaster Yacht Club. He thrived on diversity and change. He lived on a houseboat on Lake Union, and tried his luck at owning a yacht brokerage, sharing his design concepts with his boat builders in Taiwan.

He married Diane Heckler in 1988 and they enjoyed living in several of Jerry’s custom built homes before moving to the Rocky Point house in Bremerton. Jerry loved the beach at Rocky Point and often said he would never leave there. Jerry’s passion for boating began many years ago with the purchase of an 18’ Fiber Form. He quickly moved on to classic boats all of which were customized with his unique eye for design and creativity. Family and friends enjoyed cruising Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands and the Gulf Islands with Jerry. His boat the “Gypsy Dancer” will continue to cruise in his memory. Jerry became an active member of the Bremerton Yacht Club and was the driving force behind the design and completion of their picnic shelter. It was named “The Jerry Sengstock Longhouse” in his honor. He was always ready to reach out and help and gave freely of his time. He expected no less than perfect of himself on all endeavors of his life. Jerry’s interest in cars began at the age of 12 while reconstructing his Model-T Ford. Over the years he owned and customized many classic cars, attended shows and won numerous awards for his entries.

Jerry and Dianne Shanander started sharing their lives in 2004 and married in 2010. They were partners in many wonderful experiences through travel, boating, construction and remodel projects, both playing and working together. Jerry never lost his novel sense of humor or his desire to live life to the fullest. He was an amazing, artistic visionary with his own distinct style. He most definitely left a footprint for all of us to enjoy.

Jerry is survived by his wife, Dianne, his children Suzy, Scott and Debbie, and five grandchildren, Devan, Erin, Jonathan, Courtney, and Collin.

A memorial will be held on Sunday, July 14th, 2:00pm at the Vashon Island Golf and Country Club. The Jerry Sengstock Memorial Picnic will be held on Monday, July 22nd, 6:00pm at Bremerton Yacht Club. All are welcome to attend.

For those who wish, donations may be made to Jerry’s favorite charities, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital or Americares.

Paid Obituary.