More detail on this person: Salem - Jerrol Duane Harchenko of Salem, Oregon passed away on Friday, July 30, 2021 at the age of 89. Jerry was born in Butte, North Dakota on January 29, 1932 to father Mike and mother Lena Harchenko. He was the oldest of four children. He graduated from Sheyenne River Academy in Harvey, ND in May of 1950. He met the love of his life, Myra, during his senior year and married her on August 18, 1950. Jerry and Myra helped out on the family farm. Because of his work ethic and desire to take care of his family, he worked many various jobs. His passion was aviation. He learned to fly in 1948 at the age of 16, and in 1951 earned an airplane commercial pilot rating and worked as an agricultural pilot. Jerry and Myra had two children, daughter, Jerraleen "Squeak" in 1951, and a son, Terry in 1955. In 1960, Jerry moved his family to Salem, OR, where he worked as an agricultural pilot for Kreitzberg Aviation. He then worked as an aerial applicator for Evergreen Helicopters and was stationed with his family in Puerto Rico. Jerry was a member of the North Dakota National Guard since 1956. In 1963 he transferred to the US Army and applied for warrant officer rotary wing aviator training. His class was 63-5W receiving the appointment as WO-1 on Nov. 19, 1963. In March 1966, he received orders and started his first tour in Vietnam with the 82nd Arty., 1st Air Cav. He served as the division artillery commanders pilot. After his first tour, he served as rotary wing instrument instructor at Hunter Army Airfield, Savannah, GA. In Jan. 1968, CW2 Harchenko received his next assignment and obtained his fixed wing qualification in T42s and qualified in the U21. Later that same year, he received orders for his second tour and arrived in DaNang and Saigon and served as UH-1 instrument instructor, U-21 pilot and aviations operations officer. For his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star (1 OLC), the Air Medal (12 OLC), plus many others. Jerry was released from active duty in 1969, and returned to Salem as a member of the Oregon National Guard. In 1971, he transferred from the Guard to the Oregon State Defense Force, received a State Commission, and served as the State Aviation Officer. He ended his military career with the rank of Colonel. In 1970, Jerry and Myra established Industrial Aviation Services, Inc. He and his family operated the business on their own airport north of Brooks, providing fixed wing and rotary wing agricultural support services. Jerry was a member of Salem Central Seventh Day Adventist Church. He is survived by his daughter, Jerraleen "Squeak" Hoggatt (Jim); daughter in law Viki Harchenko; grandchildren, Apryl Herron, Mindi Dalke (Jamie), Zachary Harchenko, Jeremy Fleer, Beth Hancock, Sarah Hoggatt (Monica), and six great-grandchildren. Jerry is also survived by his sisters, Videll Tremaine, Ruby Adsitt; and brother Dr. Vern Harchenko. Jerry was preceded in death by his wife Myraleen; son, Terry; and brothers, Ted and Mick Harchenko. The family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from too many individuals to name, and including the amazing staff at Village at Keizer Ridge and Willamette Valley Hospice. A graveside service will be held on Friday, Aug. 6, 2021 at Belcrest Memorial Park at 11:00 am. People wishing to honor Jerry's lifelong commitment to family and community can make donations to Salem Central Seventh-day Adventist Church at 1330 Summer St. NE, Salem, OR 97301. Arrangements made by Howell, Edwards, Doerksen Funeral Directors. Posted online on August 02, 2021
Burial information: Belcrest Memorial Park
This information was last updated 09/27/2021
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Date posted on this site: 03/10/2024
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