2017 Senate Joint Resolution 87
ENROLLED JOINT RESOLUTION
Relating to: honoring the life and public service of Gerald D. Kleczka.
Whereas, Gerald (Jerry) D. Kleczka was born November 26, 1943, in Milwaukee; graduated in 1961 from Don Bosco High School; served in the Wisconsin National Guard; and, at 24 years of age, was elected to three terms in the Wisconsin State Assembly; and
Whereas, in 1974, Jerry moved to the Wisconsin State Senate, where he served as Assistant Majority Leader and later as Co-Chair of the Wisconsin Legislature's Joint Committee on Finance; and
Whereas, in 1984, Jerry was elected to succeed Clement Zablocki in representing Wisconsin's 4th Congressional District; he served 20 years, championing working families, veterans, and senior citizens; and
Whereas, in Congress, he sat on the House Committee on Ways and Means, pushed through major health care and spending reforms, and voted against entering the 1991 Gulf War and the 2003 invasion of Iraq; and
Whereas, after 11 terms in Congress and having never lost an election, Jerry retired from Congress in 2005; and
Whereas, during their retirement, Jerry and his wife enjoyed summer weekends at their lake home, surrounded by family; and as before, Jerry continued to enjoy woodworking, cooking, gardening, remodeling projects, and caring for his beloved shelties; and
Whereas, Jerry is remembered by those who served with him in government and by the siblings, nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong friends who survive him for his friendly, easy-going manner; his grasp of issues; his work ethic; and his unfailing willingness to put the well-being of others before his own; now, therefore, be it
Resolved by the
senate, the assembly concurring, That the Wisconsin Legislature salutes the public service of Congressman Gerald D. Kleczka and mourns his passing; and, be it further
Resolved, That the senate chief clerk shall provide a copy of the resolution to Congressman Kleczka's wife of 39 years, Bonnie.
