Gerald "Jerry" Lester Hoege
November 26, 1943 – October 3, 2025

Gerald "Jerry" Lester Hoege, age 81, passed away peacefully on October 3, 2025, surrounded by his loving family who cared for him at home throughout his long illness.

Jerry was born in Muncie, Indiana, on November 26, 1943, to George Lester Hoege and Betty Jean (Burgess) Hoege. A proud graduate of Muncie Central High School, Class of 1962, Jerry went on to serve his country in the United States Air Force.

After his military service, Jerry began his career with Indiana Bell in Muncie, where he later met the love of his life, Sara Lynn Life, in 1965. The two were married on January 14, 1967, in Muncie, Indiana. For their honeymoon, they traveled to San Diego, California, to visit family—and decided to make it their home.

Jerry transferred to Pacific Bell and was assigned to the Tishman Building in Los Angeles. He and Sara lived in Hollywood for two years before returning to San Diego to care for his parents. They eventually settled in Poway, where they bought their home and still live today, building a lifetime of memories together.

In January 1971, Jerry joined the San Diego County Sheriff's Department, where he served with honor and dedication for over five decades. He worked in many capacities, including as a deputy, fixed-wing pilot for the Aero Squadron, firearms instructor at the department range, and supporter of the Search and Rescue Team. In 2017, he was promoted to Law Enforcement Reserve Commander, a position he proudly held until his passing.

Jerry was deeply involved in his community and was a proud Mason, serving as Past Master of Blackmer Masonic Lodge No. 442 in 1977, and was also active in the Scottish Rite and Al Bahr Shrine.

In 1987, Jerry brought his expertise to the Poway Unified School District, where he worked as a Telecommunications Technician until his retirement in 2013.

In retirement, Jerry and Sara enjoyed traveling and spending time with family, especially on their many desert adventures, one of Jerry's favorite places to be.

Jerry is survived by his devoted wife of 58 years, Sara Lynn Hoege; two daughters, Amy Lynn Clark and Jennifer Lynn Biddle; sons-in-law William "Bill" Michael Clark and Richard "Jon" William Jonathan Biddle; and four beloved grandchildren, Katie Lynn Clark, Kassidy Anne Clark, Trenton James Biddle, and Taylor Lynn Biddle.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his younger brother, James Leslie Hoege.

Jerry will be remembered for his lifelong dedication to service, his unwavering love for family, and his adventurous spirit. His legacy of kindness, commitment, and laughter will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.