Gerald (Jerry) Curtis Mitchke passed away suddenly on December 9, 2012. He was 71 years old. Jerry was the son of Peggy Lou and Milton Mitchke and was born September 30, 1941. He was the third of four children and was raised in Helena with older brothers Ed and Mick and younger sister Margie. Jerry was a proud graduate of Cathedral High School, Carroll College and MSU. He was a “Saint” in every aspect of the word – a devoted husband, father, and grandfather, a loyal friend and colleague and a faithful man who loved God and his Church. Jerry was the beloved husband of Kit, his wife of 47 years, and the proud father of Curt, Mark, and Ann. He was a loving father-in-law to Janna, Kris, and Chris and the proud grandpa of Luke, Wyatt, Brianna, Anna, Teagann and Bridget.
Jerry was often a man of few words who showed his love and his leadership through his service to others. He could always be counted on to offer his help. His wife and children were blessed to have a husband and father who willingly and selflessly gave his love and support to them in every way he knew how. His caring spirit and gentle nature were so dear to us all.
Jerry had a strong mind, a quick wit, and typically a very clear point of view on most topics. Many who knew him well commented that Jerry could figure out a solution before most people had even processed the problem. All who spent time with him appreciated his quick sense of humor and warm smile. Jerry was dependable and logical and was frequently sought out for his advice. He was a leader who did not fail to listen to the opinions of others, although oftentimes in his mind there was not a question of the “right answer”!
Jerry’s early life was spent in Helena where he built life-long friendships through school and athletics. Jerry attended Cathedral High School; he was the center on the “Greenie” football team and led the team to the MT state championship in his senior year. After his graduation, he enrolled at Carroll College where he studied mathematics and joined the Saints football team as the center. Jerry was inducted into the Carroll College Football Hall of Fame in 1981.
Jerry and Kit married in Helena on June 12, 1965 and shortly thereafter moved to Billings to start their married life together. Kit and Jerry welcomed their oldest son, Curt, in 1966. Mark followed in 1967 and Jerry’s only daughter Ann arrived eleven years later in 1979. Jerry, Kit and family lived in Billings for 22 years. Life in Billings was filled with good friends, golf at the Highlands Club, Cursillos, church, supporting the boys in their sports endeavors (and their paper route), and convincing Ann that she was not one of the teenage boys.
Jerry started his career at IBM as a systems engineer, later moving into sales and education before moving into a role in management. Jerry’s friends at IBM noted that he always finished at the top of his class in IBM trainings. Jerry retired from IBM in 1992. At that time, Jerry, Kit and Ann moved back to Helena where he began his second career as a Commercial Real Estate Appraiser. Jerry enjoyed his second career and the opportunity it gave him to continue to apply his logical mind and problem solving skills.
In Helena, Jerry enjoyed golfing at the Green Meadow, participating in religious education and enrichment activities, supporting Carroll football, traveling, and playing cards with his friends. He found many ways to volunteer his time and talent through the Cathedral and other organizations. Each year he looked forward to the summer vacation at Camp Tuffit where family, golf, dice, fishing, and friendship were cherished each day. Jerry is survived by his wife, Kit; sons Curt (Janna) and Mark (Kris); daughter Ann (Chris) Gozzano; grandchildren Wyatt, Brianna, Anna, Teagann and Bridget. The Mitchke family is thankful for the love and community that surrounded Jerry throughout his life and for all of those who knew and loved Jerry. Please keep Jerry and his family in your thoughts and prayers.
A visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 7:00 pm Thursday, December 13 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home; 3750 N. Montana Ave. A vigil service will follow the visitation at 7:00 pm. A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 am Friday December 14, 2012 at the Cathedral of St. Helena with interment to take place at resurrection cemetery immediately following the Funeral Mass. A reception will follow the interment in the social hall at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home. Memorials in Jerry’s name are suggested to the Carroll College Football team, 1601 N. Benton Ave, Helena, MT 59625, The Ronald McDonald House Charities Inc. 26345 Network Place, Chicago, IL 60673-1263, or the Cathedral of St. Helena, 530 N. Ewing St, Helena, MT 59601.
Service Schedule
Visitation
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday December 13, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Thursday December 13, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday December 14, 2012
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing
Helena, MT 59601
Interment
Following the Funeral Mass
Friday December 14, 2012
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena Valley West Central
Helena, MT 59601
Reception
Following the Interment
Friday December 14, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Visitation
6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
Thursday December 13, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Vigil
7:00 p.m.
Thursday December 13, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Funeral Mass
11:00 a.m.
Friday December 14, 2012
Cathedral of St. Helena
530 N. Ewing
Helena, MT 59601
Interment
Following the Funeral Mass
Friday December 14, 2012
Resurrection Cemetery
Helena Valley West Central
Helena, MT 59601
Reception
Following the Interment
Friday December 14, 2012
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
Peggy & Bob Stringer says
Kitty,
Bob and I were shocked and saddened to hear that Jerry passed away. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. If there is anything we can do to help you, please do not hesitate to call on us. Everyone who knew Jerry will miss him. He was an amazing person.
Peggy & Bob Stringer
Penny Adkins says
Jerry & I knew each other through our mutual profession — appraising real estate. While we often “agreed to disagree” on some aspects of an appraisal, I learned many things from Jerry and I am a better appraiser for having been reviewed by him. In person, I liked Jerry very much and he was such an important part of of the Montana Chapter of the Appraisal Institute. I hope he knew how many lives he touched…He will be missed.
Fr. Jeff Fleming says
Hi Kittie and family,
I am so sad to hear about Jerry. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. Please let me know if you need any thing, or if there is anything I can do.
Eternal rest grant unto him, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May God’s peace, blessings and consolation sustain you.
Chris Otto says
Kit & Family –
I was so sorry to hear of Jerry’s passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. May all your good memories comfort you.
Mike Duke Hilario says
I can’t believe Jer is gone. I thought he would be in my life forever. We worked together for 22 years and became as close as any two men could. I respected Jerry more than any man I have known in my life. So many memories; both work memories and our lives memories. Jerry was my ‘caretaker’ for so many years and I have never forgotten one minute of our lives together. Kitty; I loved you and Jerry and always missed both of you when you left Billings.
Maureen Dineen Fisher ("Enie") says
My dearest Kitty Lynn and family,
My heart is saddened and broken by the loss of Jerry. He was such an integral part of my whole life. Our last meeting at the class reunion was such a joyous time for all of us. I will cherish the moments and memories that he shared with me. An honest, true friend, awesome father and husband. He will be deeply missed and loved forever. My heartfelt sympathies to his entire family and friends. God Bless us all and until we meet again my dear friend. May God hold you in the hollow of His hands.
Don Eder says
Kitty,
Barb and I were deeply saddened to hear about Jerry. Your whole family was such a big part of our family growing up in Billings. Jerry always kept me out of trouble when we were with IBM when I “over promised” the customer how quickly we could get their equipment up and running. I can still see and here him say “You told them WHAT? (pause) OK we will get it done.” He was a great partner.
We had some great times in our “early” years. A visual that will always remain with me is a party around the pool at the Hilands club when Jerry accidentally stepped off the side of the pool with drink in hand and went completely under water. A moment later his hand, still holding a slightly diluted cocktail appeared above the surface followed by red head with a smiling but sheepish grin and said “I saved it”. Just one of many, many fond memories.
Kitty, you and your familly are and will always be in our thoughts and prayers .
Don and Barb
.
Susan Sather says
Kit,
I am so sorry and shocked to hear about your beloved Jerry. My thoughts and prayers are with you. I send hugs and love to you.
Susan Sather
Steve Hall says
Kitty
I met Jerry through the appraisal profession but we really clicked as fellow sufferers on the golf course. He spent countless hours helping the Montana Chapter of AI. He excelled in getting quality education to the members of this chapter and he did it with such caring and concern. I know our chapter will sorely miss his smile, his willingness to help and his big heart. My prayers are with you and your family in this very sad time.
Steve Hall
Ellie Clark says
Dear Kitty,
On behalf of the Montana Chapter of the Appraisal Institute we would like to express our deepest sympathy for your loss. As you know, Jerry has been a crucial volunteer in our chapter for many years. His work touched and benefited all of our members. He was the glue that held our chapter together. On a personal note I feel so fortunate to have worked with Jerry and will miss him greatly. He was a gentleman in every sense of the word.
Ellie Clark – President of the MT Chapter of the Appraisal Institute
Ron Proul says
Dear Kit,
I’m so sorry for your loss, Jerry was one of the “good guys”. Please know you are both in my prayers.
Peace and love,
Ron
Dave & Barb Thomas says
Kitty,
Jerry will be hugely missed by the AI Chapter here in Montana. He took his life work to heart and helped anyone who needed it. The MT Chapter is better off for his leadership and professionalism. God Speed.
Dave and Barb Thomas
Thomas Appraisal Services, Ind.
Jim and Sandra Gross says
So sorry about your loss! Our prayers and thoughts are with you and your family as you go through this difficult time!
Brett Ouellette says
Mrs. Mitchke, Mark, Curt and Ann,
I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your Husband and Father. This is a very difficult time to say the least, I would like you to know you are all in our thoughts and prayers. What a wonderful man and a great example of a Great human being. Again I am very sorry for your loss – he will be missed greatly!
George Page says
I was saddened to hear about Jerry’s death. He was a fine colleague and ambassador of the appraisal community. Jerry greeted everyone with a friendly smile and paid careful attention to others’ needs at the seminars he organized. My thoughts are with you.
Diane Macaraeg-Langenfus says
Dear Kit and family,
I cannot begin to tell you how fortunate I feel I am to have gotten to know Jerry this past year working together on Cathedral’s all class reunion. He was always quiet and unassuming and always a gentle man, but when he had an opinion he was straight forward, direct and to the point. In working on the website for the reunion, I found out about Jerry’s history as a basketball player for Cathedral and then his histroy on the grid iron playing football for Carroll. I would tease him about his gentle spirit and how that worked ( or did’t work) for him as an athlete. He would just chuckle and smile, don’t remember ever getting much of a response or a raise out of him for that fact. I am so glad we all got together for dinner just two weeks ago and were able to laugh and remember the trials and tribulations of the past year. Every where I have been this past two days, people are talking about Jerry….you must know he touched the lives of many and was loved and respected by all. Those of us who knew him were all left with the gift of time spent with a great Man. God Bless you Kit for sharing him with so many. My thoughts and prayers go to you and Jerry’s family at this very difficult time, God Bless you all.
Pat Asay says
Kit and family:
I met Jerry at his first Appraisal Institute class in Portland as he began his appraiser training. We hit it off then and have been friends ever since. He has done as much for our Montana chapter and his second profession as anyone in recent memory. We will miss him deeply, but we will always remember his friendship, professionalism, kindness and gentle strength. I know this time must be difficult for you, but I hope that soon it will be replaced with the warmth of good memories of a life well lived. God bless you and we will see you Friday.
Pat Asay
Father Jerry Burr (Philippines) says
My prayers and sympathy to Kittie and family.
Jerry was ALWAYS so kind to me on my infrequent visits to Helena. I will remember him where it counts!
Fr. Jerry Burr
Mike Kelly says
Dear Kit and Family,
I Don’t know where to begin since I grew up with Jerry. I know you are comforted by his steady influence in your life. He was always the most dependable member of our group and the least demanding for attention. My recollections are of fun loving yet sturdy type of person. We spent many years in school and sports together starting in grade school and culminating in his being chosen as ALL STATE in football on our Cathedral Greenie championship team. He was THE CENTER of our team and the true leader.
I was privileged to both participate and compete with him for academic honors in High School.
He had the best mathematical mind I have ever encountered. Obviously IBM picked him because of his special talents.
I remember many special times with Jerry,Gary Glineski Jim Campbell and Joe Kasperick beginning with scouts,grade school,high school and college. We were blessed with many special moments. He lived a great life and had many friends. I’m sure you have many special moments to remember him by. Please accept my sincere sorrow at his passing and know I will always treasure our time together.
Love
Mike
Pete Hamper says
I had the privilege to play football with Jerry at Cathedral HS. I have never forgotten his leadership even as a h.s. student. There was no doubt who the leader of the team was, and he did it in such a manner everyone bought in. In the past ten days three people I had/have respect for passed away. A person today told me things happen in threes. I am know a believer.
Prayers to his family.
Pete Hamper
Moe Wosepka says
Kit and Family: Jerry was the best, and he will be missed as such. It is very hard to believe he is gone. However for those who loved him he will be with us forever.
I first met Jerry when we he was Business Manager at the Cathedral. I was on the Finance Council, and later worked with him after I took over the reigns at the Good Samaritan. Good Sam was a mess, and Jerry’s help getting the finances at Good Sam turned around and put in an orderly fashion was an absolute key to the succes of that ministry. He not only dedicated time to work with the finances but was instramental in getting the “Angel Crew” of his friends to help with constructiion, reorganization, and other needs at Good Sam. Many of the people we served owe much to Jerry for all the quiet, behind the scenes work he did so that we could provide the services to those who needed them the most.
He was an amazing man. He left this community, and those he touched better off with his witness and his deeds. Blessings to you Kit, Jerry, and family. Be assured of our prayers. Moe and Lola
Joe and Mary Pat Kasperick says
Kitty Lynn and family. We were very saddened to learn of Jerry’s unexpected death. He was a good friend and probably the most dedicated and smartest person we’ve known. Lots of good memories. Jerry was always there for us. He would meet with his fellow classmates before classes started to tutor us in the math and sciences so that we could make it through the classes. He is truly missed. You and your wonderful family are in our thoughts and prayers. Joe and Mary Pat
Mary Alice Feldman Haniszewski says
Kitty;
I am so sorry to hear that you have lost the love of your life. Gerry was indeed a very special person, as of course you are also. My thoughts and prayers are with you. So good to see you and Gerry this Summer at the celebration
John Rickman says
Kitty, Jerry was one of my close friends before I moved from Helena to Butte during my sophomore year in high school. Later contact came from Cathedral High reunion’s where we would share old stories about growing up in Helena.
Jerry had many friends but none more important than his classmates throughout his academic career. All of us were amazed at his understanding of mathematics. He was our idol.
My sympathy to you and your family. You are in my prayers.
God bless!!!
Tony and Marcia Turner says
Kitty and Family,
We were honored to have known Jerry. We asked each other what comes to mind when we think of Jerry. Words like keeper of the public morals, loyal, honest, 100% trustworthy, a true friend and a devoted husband and father came to us. We can hear his deep laugh and see his ironic smile at his friend’s antics. We will miss him. We are sorry we are unable to be with you but or prayers are with you all as you ou celebrate his wonderful life.
Much love,
Tony and Marcia
Kraig Kosena says
To the Mitchke family. Jerry was one of the kindest, most sincere men that I have ever met…I can not imagine the void in your heart! Jerry was in my office last Tuesday struggling with a bad back! We had a great visit beyond appraisal “stuff.” He will be missed! Kraig P. Kosena.
DIck & Bev Lund says
Jerry was one of the finest overall gentleman I’ve ever known. I’m sad that he was taken from you so young. I enjoyed working with Jerry as well as our IBM social functions together. God bless you Kitty,
Dick & Bev Lund
Susan Hoving says
So sorry to hear about Jerry. I worked with him at MWB. He was a nice, generous & caring man, always a smile. And he did love Carroll College football games. & we would talk about pro football teams as well (as I am a big Dallas fan). Prayers & thoughts are with the family.
Bless you all.
Marilyn & Jim McMahon says
Dear Kit & Family,
Please know that you are all in our prayers and thoughts at this time of such great loss.
Being a “day dog” for four years of football and math classes at Carroll College prompted a bonding that I’ll never forget. Jerry was truly gifted in so many ways – a leader for sure. The wonderful memories of those four years live on and are among my fondest.
Marilyn reflects on the wonderful times she spent with you both commuting to MSU in Bozeman.
Our deepest sympathy!
Love & prayers,
Marilyn & Jim
John & Mary Jean McGinley Marron says
Hi Kit,
Please know that you are in our prayers.
Roselane (Miske) Wallace says
What a shock to read about Jerry this morning. You were the cute newlyweds when we lived on Ave. C. Keith and I were married 3 years and 3 days after you. I hope many wonderful memories will sustain you and your family during this most difficult time. Sending our love and prayers. Lani and Keith Wallace
Father Stephen Brehe says
Dear Kit and Family
I was saddened to learn about Jerry’s death. Regretably I am unable to attend his funeral now that I live in St. George UT in the winter. But prayer reduces all distances, including miles. I will hold of you in my heart. And when I am back in Helena I will stop by in person. May God supply you every need and may Jerry rest in peace.
Steve
Barb Eder says
Dear Kitty, We are so sad. I’ve read all the thoughts from your many friends and
realize how loved Jerry was. I’m so sorry we are so far away and can’t be there for
you. I hope you feel our arms around you now and forever. When we heard the news
on Sunday it gave us a chance to remember all our wonderful times together. I am so
thankful that we got a chance to catch up with you during our good visit a few years ago. Please take care and feel comfort from all the support I know you will have. We hope
that you will stay in touch. Much love, Barb
Bill Murphy says
Kit and family I am so sorry for your loss. Jerry was a good friend, team mate, and fellow appraiser. I fondly recall the three years we played football together. Without him I doubt if we would have won the state championship. All fellow old Greenies lost a great man. Every time I visited Helena and saw him he always greeted me with a warm smile. The years just seemed to melt away. He is going to missed by everyone who was lucky enough to have known him.
Bill Murphy 60 Greenie
Jack Haffey says
Kit and Family – I am greatly saddened to learn about your loss. Jerry was and is a truly wonderful person. Susan and I knew him while at Carroll, and over the years I would see you and Jerry, Kit, when you took a weekend in the Anaconda area and alway attended 5:00 PM Mass at Holy Family. I also would see Jerry at his regular workout sessions at CroossRoads whenever I was in Helena. Alway so kind and friendly. As I also know, he was a servant leader model for so many.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Jack and Susan Haffey.
Chris Ryan says
Dear Mitchke’s,
I was shocked to hear of the passing of Jerry. Though I hadn’t seen him in years, I cannot recall my childhood without a memory of him or your family popping into my head. He was always gracious with his time and most importantly his patience with us ( Curt and Mark most defintley included) . Please know that you all are in the Ryan family prayers and thoughts. It has most definitely been a positive for all of us to have known Jerry and your family. God bless all of you in this trying time.
Chris Ryan
Mary Marlene (Pouliot) Micech says
I’m so sorry about Jerry’s sudden death. It’s a shock to all who knew him well, and loved him. I remember Jerry mostly from high school, but I remember him as always being kind to me, willing to share some thoughts or answer questions. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed in Helena, Billings, and esp. the Cathedral parish, where he gave much of himself. You are in my prayers.
Renee Neary says
Jerry always took such good care of me as the infamous “last minute” student to the Appraisal Institute classes he organized and always let me in with no notice, and made sure I always the materials needed. I enjoyed getting to know him professionally and will miss him! I’m so sorry for your loss, as I know it’s a huge one.
Tom and Sandy Tursich says
Kit Mitchke and Family,
I was shocked to here of Jerry’s sudden death. I received an e-mail from Joe Kasperick on Friday and couldn’t believe Jerry had passed away. He seemed so fit. We played golf with you and Jerry at the last Cathedral High reunion. He was very helpful, since my wife and I were rookies at the sport. He was a great guy. Our prayers are with you and your family. God Bless you . Sorry we could not attend the services. We are in Portland, Oregon with our children and grandchildren.
Steve Kasperick says
Dear Mitchke’s – I’m saddened to read about Jerry’s sudden death. As a kid growing up in Helena….. I knew Jerry as a classmate & good friend of my older brother Joe. I also knew Jerry from when we both worked for IBM. I’m glad I got to see him last summer at the Cathedral reunion. My sympathy to you & your family.
Matt & Mary Kunnary says
To the Mitchke family – We want to extend our prayers to you and your family. I first met Jerry when we were members on a committee at Carroll College. What a wonderful person, God Bless you during this time of loss.
Matt & Mary
Mick Mitchke says
Jerry was my younger brother, but I looked up to him. He was my best friend, my adviser, my confidant, and my mentor. When we 3 boys were growing up together, Eddie, my older brother and I would get into disagreements and Jerry would act as the arbitrator, getting things settled down. Amazing for one who was 3 years younger than me and 6 years younger than Ed. This continued into adulthood. Then when I had career questions or concerns, I always sought his advice. He led me into my life’s work in airline computer systems by advising me to take the opportunity to compete for an IT position with Western Airlines.
When Jerry and Kit moved back to Helena after his retirement from IBM, they were both Angels with our mother, taking good care of her and visiting her daily. They did this both when she lived on her own and after she moved into an assisted living facility, and at considerable sacrifice to their own time and money.
Kitty, you and your children and grandchildren, are in my daily prayers. Everybody knows you all have lost a huge part of your life. You know that I too have lost a most important part of my life with Jerry’s passing. I believe with some comfort, that with my beloved wife Annette’s passing away earlier in the year, they are both in heaven praying for us. God Bless You all and keep the faith that someday we will all be together again.
With love, Mick