Jerome "Jerry" Klima

"Jerry" in loving memory to us all, was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on July 23, 1917, to our grandparents Josephine and Frank Kries. He was the middle child of three children, Doris his younger sister and Clem his older brother. In his early years they grew up on a farm where he learned his hard work ethic and mechanical/handyman genius. He could fix and build anything .... and loved to tinker with everything ..... we believe thats where he developed his patience ....He would display extremely long periods of patience doing the most meticulous of jobs followed by a rare outburst of his favorite phrase, we "fondly remember".... a shake of the head, then back to business as usual. He never held anger or a grudge.

During his childhood his family owned a bakery in town where he would enjoy wonderful times with his siblings. He had very fond memories of his childhood and told humorous stories of the funny follies and pranks they played on each other as kids. Never short for a one liner,,,,,, He carried this fabulous, cheeky sense of humor throughout his life. Utilising his comedic personality, He'd love to stir up the pot .... so to speak .... and watch the whole thing unravel in front of him, whilst he sat and enjoyed the show!. As a young boy, around all of the lakes in Minnesota, he learned to fish and acquired the nickname Bobber....this was a pastime he became extremely skilled at and enjoyed throughout his life..... He also loved a good sparky and opinionated political conversation ...where he always championed the side of the "little guy"........He was a lifelong-successful-small-business-man who had an abundant range of small business's throughout his life; including a Taxi company, used auto sales, home remodeling and his lifelong love, the Christmas tree industry...which he was active in for almost sixty years.... He leaves behind his loved ones, Elsie, daughter Margaret, son Jerry Jr and grandchildren Sierra and Jay Jay..... There was never a dull moment with our father. His heart was huge and everyone loved him. He will be greatly missed.