Gerald Anthony Klaus

Gerald Anthony Klaus, 81, of Sun City, Arizona, died on June 20, 2024, from complications of Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis (IPF). 

 Born July 26, 1942, in Dyersville, Iowa, son of Ambrose and Hilda Klaus of Marion, Iowa, Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Delores Piekarz-Klaus, beloved children Jeffrey M. Klaus and Stacey (Steve) Vanderhagen, grandchildren Dylan Weidner and Christian Klaus and Shane and Claire Vanderhagen, step-children Lynda (Joe) Heaphy, Donna (Dennis) Riffel, Joanne Spencer (Nancy Mangone), Diohn Piekarz, Terry (Julie) Piekarz, step-grandchildren Kevin (Shannon) Heaphy, Alex Riffel, Briana (Darren) Guenther, Jason Spencer, Phillip Piekarz, Michael Piekarz, Jack Piekarz and Aidan Piekarz, and brothers Robert (Patti) Klaus, David (Barbara) Klaus and Anthony (Jo) Klaus.

Jerry served in the United States Air Force and, thereafter, had a career that included roles with Sears Corporation and Allstate Insurance. Jerry retired in 2000 and served as President of the Viewpoint Lake Homeowners Association for several years. A dispute with the Recreation Center of Sun City and the lake homeowners was resolved with a verdict in favor of the existing lake homeowners. It went further by securing the same terms for future lake homeowners by having the ruling recorded in the chain of title. This was a great source of pride for Jerry. 

 Jerry’s favorite saying was “INCREDIBLY GREAT!” He enjoyed golf and taking guests for rides on his pontoon boat on Viewpoint Lake. Jerry loved popcorn and a glass of wine for “Happy Hour”, while enjoying the view of the lake whether from his backyard in Sun City or the deck at Otter Lake where he spent his summers in Wisconsin. He loved cruises and he loved his XLR sports car. Jerry enjoyed going to Starbucks for coffee and conversation. He could repair almost anything if he had enough green florist wire.

Jerry was loved by many and was a bright light in a sometimes dark world. His charismatic personality was contagious and his presence at any gathering assured smiles and jokes and a display of his quick wit. Jerry was a kind, sensitive, generous and loving man. He loved his God, family and country and will always be remembered by those who had the honor of knowing and loving him. Jerry will be deeply missed by all. 

 There will be a Celebration of Jerry for family and friends on Friday, October 18, 2024, at 3:00 p.m., at Menke Funeral Home (12420 N. 103rd Ave., Sun City, AZ 85351).