Jerome Klein

Jerome A. Klein passed away unexpectedly on Jan. 22, 2022, at the age of 52.

Jerry was born on June 10, 1969, to George and Mary Jane (Lautenbach) Klein.

He attended Cedar Grove High School with the Class of 1987.

Immediately after high school, Jerry began working at local factories before settling with his current longtime employer, Hellermann Tyton of Milwaukee, where he was the lead tool and die maintenance tech.

Jerry was a hard worker with an amazing mechanical aptitude. His employer remarked that it will be difficult to find another employee with his skill level and work ethic. 

Away from the workplace, Jerry was always working on a car or helping someone with a project on the weekend.

In his younger days, he also worked a side job as a DJ at local establishments, a job that suited his extroverted personality as well as his appreciation for music.

Although Jerry worked hard, he also had a fun side. He definitely had a fun side!

Every time friends and family heard the first few notes of a classic Eagles song, they will remember Jerry “J Rock” taking the stage on karaoke night amid chants of Jer-REE, Jer-REE and belting out his favorite tune. Jerry was a talented and willing singer and truly in his element while entertaining.

He loved to be in the spotlight, whether it be with his singing or by showing up to an event wearing one of his party suits or masks. He could come up with a costume or entertainment for nearly every occasion. He even bought a party bus and a limousine for the amusement of family and friends. He had a contagious amount of energy that made every gathering more fun simply because Jerry was there.

With his forever-young attitude, he was a best friend throughout the years to his nieces and nephews. They all fondly recall many boating trips, bonfires, concerts and trips that were made more memorable by Jerry’s escapades.

Jerry spent most of his free time over the years entertaining his son Nathan and his nieces and nephews. Many weekends were spent racing around with youngsters at the go cart tracks or playing games in the arcades.

As the years went by, the group spent time together at karaoke, the casino or boating. Jerry enjoyed dancing and going to concerts with his lifelong best friend Candy. He had an adventurous spirit and often surprised Candy with a spontaneous road trip or tickets to a show.

Everyone who had the privilege of being in Jerry’s circle of friends will agree that their world will not be the same without the happy-go-lucky, generous man with a song in his heart and a willingness to share the joy.

Just find a place to make your stand and take it easy, Jerry.

Jerry will be sadly missed by his girlfriend Candice Shafer; siblings Carolynn (Tony) Strauss, Cathy (Kevin) Wilkins, Mike Klein, and Cheryl Klein; and many friends.

His nieces and nephews Diana Rehman (Chris Cleveland), David Strauss, Brian Strauss (Danielle Lanus) and Zaara, Sumrah and Daniel Rehman will especially miss their carefree, fun-loving uncle.

He was preceded in death by his parents George and Mary Jane Klein and his son Nathan Schmit.

A memorial service will be held on Sunday, Jan. 30, 2022, at Eernisse Funeral Home, 171 N. Royal Ave., Belgium, Wis., 53004, at 3:00 p.m.

Jerry’s family will receive visitors from 1 p.m. until the service at 3 p.m.

Online condolences may be left at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.