Published on October 8, 2026 11:25 am
Last Updated on October 8, 2026 12:03 pm
Gerald H. Klotz Sr., 90, of Lerna IL, passed away on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at Lakeland Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Effingham, IL.
Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 17, 2026 at Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. Visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. with a 2:00 p.m. Firefighter walk-through on Saturday, October 17, 2026, prior to the service at the funeral home.
Memorials may be made to Hope 4 Horses Rescue or DPM Bulldogs. Online condolences may be shared at www.johnsonandsonsfh.com.
Gerald was born on February 24, 1936, in Chicago, IL the son of Henry W. and Bernadette R. (Durkin) Klotz. He married Barbara Lee Voss on May 11, 1957, and she survives.
Gerry was involved with the Orland Park Fire Department and later the Orland Park Fire Protection District for many years, serving as a fireman, lieutenant, assistant chief, and as the president for the board of trustees. He was instrumental in the district’s growth from two to six stations and from 21 to over 100 full-time personnel. He worked at IBM for 37 years, and in his younger days he helped his dad as a carpenter. Gerry was a graduate of Orland Park High School, where he was very involved with athletics, especially the football and baseball teams. His great skill on the diamond resulted in him being drafted by the Philadelphia Phillies and St. Louis Cardinals. He decided not to play professionally and declined both offers. Gerry was a member of St. Michael Catholic Church in Orland Park for many years. Gerry was a lifelong and diehard fan of the Chicago Cubs and the Chicago Bears, as well as an avid
fisherman and gardener. Gerry is survived by his wife of 69 years, Barbara Klotz; children, Patricia Klotz Passfield, Gerald H. (Margie) Klotz Jr., and Donna L. (James) Columbus; grandchildren, Stephanie Erin Owens, Nicholas P. (Mallory) Columbus, David W. (Jaycie) Carey Jr., Jessica A. Carey, Cody James Columbus, and Timothy G. Klotz; sisters-in-law, Louise Klotz and Bonita Klotz; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Doris Klotz; brothers, Richard “Richie” Klotz and Wayne Klotz; granddaughter, Jenine LeeAnn Klotz; in-laws, Paul E. and Eleanor A. Voss Jr.; sister-in-law, Marilyn (Voss) Schmaedeke; and brother-in-law, Alan Schmaedeke.