Born to eternal life on Saturday, January 3, 2009, age 71 years. Loving husband and best friend for 45 years of Marianne (nee Culver). Cherished father of Deborah (Daniel) Wasilik, Jay (Madeline), Donna and Jeffrey (Andrea) Kleczka. Proud grandfather of Michael, Steven and Joey Wasilik; Jacob and Abby Kleczka; Jared, Justin and Kathryn Kleczka. Dearest brother of former U.S. Congressman Gerald (Bonnie) Kleczka. Preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Agnes Kleczka, his sisters Mary Ann (John) Flagge and Marlene (Emery) Werra. Fond brother-in-law of Vernon (Mary Ann), Leon (Rachael), Dennis (Janice) and Richard (Kay) Culver. Further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, other family, co-workers and friends. Visitation at the Funeral Home Wednesday, January 7th, 3-8 PM and Thursday, 9-10:15 AM. Funeral Thursday, January 8th, 10:15 AM from the Funeral Home to St. Veronica Church for Mass of Christian Burial at 11:00 AM. Interment to follow at Holy Trinity Cemetery. Jerry was the very proud owner of Prasser-Kleczka Funeral Homes and was a licensed funeral director since 1959. Member and past president of the Wisconsin Funeral Directors Association, the Milwaukee-Waukesha County Funeral Directors Association, Inter-Organization Council of Bay View, Milwaukee Lake Lions Club and Bay View Kiwanis Club. Member of St. Veronica's Holy Name and Usher Societies, the National Funeral Directors Association, National Association of Approved Morticians, Southside Business Club and Knights of Columbus Cardinal Stritch Council #4614. He was a recipient of the Milwaukee Lake Lions' Melvin Jones Award and Bay View Man of the Year. Loyal fan of the Milwaukee Bucks, the Milwaukee Brewers and the Green Bay Packers. A heartfelt thank you to the many physicians, nurses, aides and therapists of St. Luke's Medical Center who cared for Jerry over the past several months. A special thank you to Dr. Theodore Gronski and Dr. Brian Buggy for their tireless efforts to get Jerry home. Finally, thank you to the Thoracic Transplant Clinic and Pulmonary Rehab for 15 wonderful years! If desired, memorials to St. Veronica Church, St. Thomas More High School or The Hunger Task Force are very much appreciated. "Love you dad" PRASSER-KLECZKA BAY VIEW CHAPEL 3275 So. Howell Ave. 414-483-2322