Gerald E. Klem

To join the livestream broadcast of Mr. Klem's memorial service, please select the link below. The broadcast will begin at 1:55 P.M. Friday afternoon, December 29, 2023, and will be archived for 90 days for later viewing. https://view.oneroomstreaming.com/index.php?data=MTcwMzY0NjQyNDI4NzM0MiZvbmVyb29tLWFkbWluJmNvcHlfbGluaw== Gerald E. Klem, age 79 years, a resident of rural Vienna, passed away Monday evening, December 25, 2023, at 9:48 P.M. at his home. Gerald, affectionately known as Jerry, was born May 10, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois. He was the son of Edmond Frank Klem and Rita Ann (Oleziewski) Klem. On November 10, 1979, Jerry was united in marriage to Margaret Sue Cooper in Chicago, Illinois. She preceded him in death on January 3, 2018. Survivors include: a son – Kevin (Debbie Frangedakis) Klem of Merriam, Kansas; siblings – Edmund Klem, Larry Klem, Bruce Klem, Karen Gasiorowski, Tina Lukaszewicz, and Barbara Klem; brothers-in-law – Jerry (Susan) Botarf and Steve (Laura) Botarf; a sister-in-law – Mary Lou Hynes; dear & special friends – Billy & Nancy Belford; and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to his parents and wife, Jerry was preceded in death by: siblings – Raymond Klem, Kathy Klem, Susan Kamradt, James Klem, and Roberta Dickinson. Jerry was a U.S. Navy veteran. He served in the Vietnam War and was honorably discharged in 1966. Jerry was a very active member of the American Legion, as well as the Blackhawk V.F.W. Post # 7975 in Chicago as well as the Beggs-Gurley V.F.W. Post # 5222 in Vienna. Jerry was employed as a boilermaker for many years by Hayes Mechanical, Inc. in Chicago, Illinois. He was also a member of the International Brotherhood of Boilermakers. Jerry was an avid outdoorsman. He particularly enjoyed hunting and fishing. Jerry was of the Catholic faith. The family wishes to acknowledge the tender care and support which has been provided by Debra, Wendidawn, and Mary from Mercy Health Hospice to Jerry and our family during his illness. Your kindness and assistance were greatly appreciated and will be long remembered. A memorial service will be conducted Friday afternoon, December 29, 2023, at 2 P.M. at Bailey Funeral home in Vienna. Jon Botarf will officiate. Inurnment will follow in the Reevesville Cemetery. Military graveside rites will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley V.F.W. Post and the U.S. Navy Burial Honors Detail. The family will receive relatives and friends from 12 Noon – 2 P.M. Friday at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Heather Harper Treat Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 98, Vienna, Illinois 62995 or to Mercy Health Hospice, 225 Medical Center Drive, Suite 203, Paducah, Kentucky 42003.

Gerald E. Klem

May 10, 1944 - December 25, 2023