Jerome "Jerry" V. Klassen, Sr.

Jerome "Jerry" V. Klassen, Sr. 80, of South Sioux City, NE passed away at his home while surrounded by his family, on Friday, December 14, 2012.Funeral services will be held at 10:00 A.M. on Wednesday, December 19, 2012 at St. Michael's Catholic Church in South Sioux City, NE. Burial will be in St. Michael's Cemetery. A Rosary service will be held at 5:00 P.M. on Tuesday, December 18, 2012 at the Mohr Funeral Home in South Sioux City, NE, followed by visitation with the family present beginning at 5:30 P.M., and a prayer service at 7:00 P.M. Online condolences to the family may be posted at www.mohrfuneralhome.com.Jerry was born on a farm near Albion, NE on January 19, 1932, the son of George and Mary (Wlaschin) Klassen. He attended Albion and Loretta Public Schools. He married Mavis Bahr on January 19, 1952 and to this union 7 children were born. Jerry worked in Fremont for Jonas Oil, HP Law, Hay Mill and retired from Valmont Industries. The family moved to South Sioux City in 1975, where Jerry worked for Mid Continent Irrigation. Later Jerry worked for Atokad and retired from Farmer's Union Co-op.He was a member of St. Michael's Catholic Church in South Sioux City, NE and the Knights of Columbus 4th degree. Jerry enjoyed fishing, golfing, and was a loyal Husker and Green Bay packers fan. He loved spending time with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He especially looked forward to KLASSEN family Christmas held in June of every year. He enjoyed spending special moments with his wife.Survivors include his beloved family, loving wife, Mavis of 61 years and faithful dog, Sunny; daughters, Diana and Wayne Langemeier of Wayne, NE, Julie and Dwight Jarose of Elkhorn, NE, and Chris and Bill Larsen of Elkhorn, NE; sons, Jerry Jr. and Marcia (Madsen) Klassen of Arvada, CO, Mike and Jackie (Boyd) Klassen of South Sioux City, NE, Robert Klassen of Sioux City, IA and Marty Klassen of South Sioux City, NE; 25 grandchildren; 14 great-grandchildren; 4 brothers, Bob and Emily Klassen of St. Cloud, MN, Joe and Celine Klassen of Papillion, NE, Merle and Janice Klassen of Albion, NE and Leo and Judy Klassen of Albion, NE; 2 sisters, Florence Streeter of Albion, NE, and Maryann and Duane Hinze of Albion, NE; and several nephews and nieces.Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, George and Mary (Wlaschin) Klassen; great-grandson, Zachary Ruhr; nephews, Bill Streeter and Leon Hinze; sister-in-law, Joann Klassen; and brother-in-law, Robert Streeter.From Mavis-You are no longer at my side, but will be in my heart forever. Our love is very special. Special thanks to caregivers, Hospice of Siouxland's workers and volunteers and to Dr. Hattan. Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family.