Jerome "Jerry" Klaras

Jerome 'Jerry' Klaras

Memorial Mass for Jerome "Jerry" Klaras, 86, of Cambridge, formerly of Hoyt Lakes, Minn., will be 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 26, 2025, at Our Lady of Hope Parish in Aurora. Friends may gather one hour prior to the mass at church. Interment will be in the Hoyt Lakes Memorial Cemetery.

Jerry died Saturday, January 18, 2025, at Gracepoint Crossing Assisted Living in Cambridge, Minn., surrounded by family under hospice care.

He was born June 5, 1938 in St. James, Minn., to James and Barbara (Andert) Klaras. He was a graduate of St. James High School and later married Betty Stapleford on April 4, 1959. Jerry began working highway construction, and in 1966 began working at LTV Steel in Hoyt Lakes. In 1967 they moved to Hoyt Lakes and retired from there as a millwright in 1999.

Jerry was an active member of Queen of Peace Catholic Church in Hoyt Lakes where he served as usher, altar server and was a Third Degree member of the Knights of Colombus. He was a member of Steelworkers Union 4108 and enjoyed participating in local golf and bowling leagues. In his later years he was a member of the "Grumpy Old Men" that religiously attended the Mesabi East Basketball games.

Survivors include his children: Jerry (Jan) of Ballinger, Texas, Karmen (Craig) Kurpius of Red wing, Kathy (Dan) Johnson of Isanti, Mark of Roseville, Karen of Hoyt Lakes and Kelly (Kris) Koch of Minnetonka; grandchildren: Jerrod and Jeffrey Klaras, Kally (Phil) Kruchten, Hunter, Gracie and Bella Klaras and Khloe Koch; great grandchildren: Jewel, Scarlet, Tatum, Carter and Joseph; brother, John (Joyce) Klaras of South Carolina; several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Barbara; wife, Betty; siblings: James, Robert, Richard, Romana, Elizabeth and Barbara.

In lieu flowers, the family requests donations made in Jerry's name at PreHomes.org and designate Optage Hospice in the comment box.

Arrangements by Ziemer-Moeglein-Shatava Funeral Home in Aurora.