A Celebration of Life for Jerry is scheduled for Monday, September 29th at 11:00am at Helgeson Funeral Home in Roseau.
Jerry Lee Klema, age 78, died on September 22, 2025.
Jerry was born June 7th, 1947, in Roseau, Minnesota to Lawrence and Florence (Knochenmus) Klema. He grew up in town with his three sisters and other than college and winters in his 20s, spent his entire life there.
In 1979 he fell in love with Pam Bunke and quickly became a husband to her and dad to Gabe. The next few years brought Michael, David and Sara. He was fortunate to farm with his dad for many years before transitioning to a successful career in insurance. The cabin he and Pam created on Oak Island has welcomed numerous friends and family and continues to be a gathering spot. He also enjoyed spending quality time on Maui over the years. The Tiki Bar was always a favorite.
Jerry loved hockey. He participated in three high school state tournaments and was awarded an all-tournament selection his senior year. Rumor has it he didn’t leave the ice the entire tournament. He went on to compete with the Gophers’ freshman team before hemophilia interrupted his participation. After his playing days he became a successful coach, shepherding Roseau PeeWees to three consecutive state championships. While his boys were playing, he coached from the kitchen table and the bleachers, never shying away from letting a teammate know he was in the wrong position. Recently, he’s spent countless hours watching his grandkids hone their skills and making sure they remember to keep their stick on the ice.
Jerry was always a generous supporter of Bunke Racing, calling every Sunday to get the race report. He loved traveling with them to Michigan and celebrating their wins. He had a lifelong love of pinochle, and though he never bragged, he seemed to win quite often. The past few years have been tough physically, but watching his grandson farm the same ground he farmed years ago touched his heart. It has also been heartwarming to see his tender side emerge while sharing his home with Sara and Ole.
Jerry will be impossible to replace. There will be nobody as capable at keeping us on a reef, filling our empty deer tags or pointing out an overlooked double pinochle. The bleachers at Memorial Arena, the gravel roads of rural Roseau, the garage at Ronnie’s and the banks of the Soo500 will all be a little quieter without Jer. And the Star Tribune print edition can finally rest.
Jerry is survived by his wife Pam, their four children; Gabe (Thora) Bunke, Michael (Melissa) Klema, David (Julia) Klema, and Sara (Pete Geroy) Klema, nine grandchildren and one great grandchild: Taylor (Harlee) & Jagger, Boe (Emma) & Britta Bunke; Ole Norris Klema; John & Paul Klema; Cora, Nell & Angus Klema. Also his sisters; Connie (John) Erickson, Jennifer Cuthbertson and Margaret (Craig) Grunzke. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Jerry appreciated being able to remain at home during the recent difficult times and for all of you who helped make this possible, please accept our heartfelt gratitude.
Last modified: 09/25/2025
