Obituary of Jerry Jacob Geres

December 19, 1939 - Lemberg, Saskatchewan

March 26, 2024 - Calgary, Alberta

Jerry Geres passed away peacefully at the Tom Baker Cancer Centre on Tuesday, March 26, 2024, at the age of 84 years.

Jerry was born in Lemberg, SK, on December 19, 1939. He grew up on a farm in Grenfell, SK. He met Gertrude Schlamp in school there and married her on May 12, 1961. They moved to Regina where they started a family, and then in 1971 relocated to Calgary.

Jerry was employed as a purchasing agent in the local electrical wholesale industry for over 40 years. He started with Johnnies Electric in Regina, then was with Kohn Electric in Calgary and finally with Western Electric until his retirement in 2003.

During his lifetime, Jerry enjoyed many activities including dancing, biking, walking, and camping. He was passionate about sports, especially hockey. He coached his son’s hockey teams for many years. He was one of the first season ticket holders of the Calgary Flames when they started playing in 1980 in the Calgary Corral and was a long-time season ticket holder of the Calgary Wranglers and Calgary Hitmen. 

Jerry loved old-time dancing – polkas and waltzes - enjoying community dances on a weekly basis. His love for dancing led him to numerous polka fests in nearby provinces and even as far away as Arizona, USA. Through dancing, he developed many close friendships, with those friends holding a very special place in his heart. Jerry’s other passion was playing cards, and not just for the fun of it! He played to win which his kids and grandkids can attest to…….

Jerry was diagnosed with cancer in 2013. Despite his cancer diagnosis 10 years ago, Jerry lived those years with faith and courage. The disease did not define or limit him. He was positive, resilient, and lived life to the fullest.

Jerry was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend. Jerry is survived by his three children and their spouses, Michelle Schott (Harvey), Brenda Chambers (Steve), and Grant Geres (Kim); six grandchildren, Jonathan Chambers (Rachel), Kevin Chambers (Vanessa), Nicole Pervez (Umair), Vanessa Schott, Morgan Geres, and Kylie Geres; three great-grandchildren, Kyson Schott, Ellie Chambers, and Quinn Chambers; and special friend of 16 years, Barb Martin. He is also survived by his brothers, Chester, and Delmar; his sister Diane; sisters-in-law Inge Hack and Ursula Hack; and brother-in-law Richard Schlamp; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Jerry was predeceased by his wife of 42 years, Gertrude, in 2003 and brothers Oswald and Chadwin.

Funeral Services will be held at Foothills Lutheran Church (3104 – 34th Avenue N.W., Calgary, AB) on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. with a viewing at 10:00 a.m. and a reception to follow in the Church Hall. Graveside Service to follow at Eden Brook Memorial Gardens.

Family and friends who are unable to attend in person are invited to join the service streamed live at https://www.facebook.com/foothillslutheran. For those who are unable to view live, a recording of the service will be posted.

In lieu of flowers, Jerry requested memorial donations to Foothills Lutheran Church (3104 – 34th Avenue N.W., Calgary, AB, T2L 2A3) or Concordia Lutheran Seminary (7040 Ada Blvd NW, Edmonton, AB, T5B 4E3).  

Condolences, memories, and photos may be shared and viewed with Jerry’s family here.

In living memory of Jerry Geres, a tree will be planted in the Ann & Sandy Cross Conservation Area by McInnis & Holloway Funeral Homes, Crowfoot, 82 Crowfoot Circle NW, Calgary, AB T3G 2T3, Telephone: 403-241-0044.