Gerald E. “Jerry” Klika

July 26, 1932
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November 16, 2021

On November 16, 2021, the Lord came and took the hand of our Father, Gerald “Jerry” Klika, after 89 years on earth. He was born on July 26, 1932, in Green Bay, the son of the late James and Esther (Curran) Klika.  Jerry graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1950 and enlisted in the U.S. Army shortly after. Stationed in Kentucky, he worked as a cook, an activity he enjoyed throughout his life, especially cooking for beloved family.

Back in Green Bay, Jerry worked in the meat department of a local grocery, eventually opening his own butcher shop.  His entrepreneurial spirit and his natural gift in salesmanship led him to many jobs in diverse industries before retirement. 

Jerry swept “small town girl” Joan Thibodeau of Algoma off her feet and the two married September 12, 1953.  The couple celebrated 65 years of marriage, raised eight children and were blessed with 16 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren.  After retiring the two moved up to Lakewood and settled in a home Jerry built with his brother.

Jerry’s faith in the Lord saw him through many difficult times.  He was an active member in all the parishes he belonged to throughout his life, but especially proud of initiating the church picnic at St. Mary of the Lakes and the Deer Hunters’ Dinner which resulted in securing a new sign for the church. 

He was an avid golfer and sports enthusiast, particularly for the Brewers and Packers, and relished beating his family in a game of cards.  Jerry had a soft spot for puppies and dogs.  After moving back to Green Bay in 2010, gardening and yard work were simple pleasures.

Jerry will be sadly missed by his children, Terry (Craig) Hussin, Rick (Debi) Klika, Dennis Klika, Dianne Tease, Julie (Dan) Johnson, Andy (Julie) Klika, Marty (Shari) Klika; 16 grandchildren, Mitch (Trina) Hussin, Eric Hussin, Jennifer (John) Evans, Steven Klika, Amanda Klika, Kevin (Kyrah) Klika, Stephanie (James) Schoettle, Casey Kane, Matthew (Kirsten Petersen) Tease, Sara Tease, Holly Tease, Ross (Alie) Johnson, Carissa (Effen Bee Souvannasaeng) Klika, Samantha Klika, Nicholas Klika, Theodore Klika; 12 great-grandchildren; a brother and two sisters-in-law, Sam and Bonnie Klika and Grace Piper. 

He was preceded in death by his loving wife Joan, a son Joseph Klika; a daughter-in-law, Janet Klika; two brothers Wayne (Pat) and Robert (Annabel) Klika; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

Visitation will be held from 9:30 to 10:50 a.m. Monday, November 22nd at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 312 Victoria St. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Monday at the church with Rev. Bill Hoffman officiating.  Full Military Honors will conclude the services.  Online condolences may be sent to www.prokowall.com

Jerry’s family extends a special thank you to Sr. Helen Kezyer of St. Philip Parish for her dedicated care and to the wonderful staff at Grancare where he made his home, especially Katie and Cookie.