Gerald Ronald Datka

Gerald RGeraldonald Datka FRANKSVILLE – Gerald ‘Jerry’ Ronald Datka, passed away on May 26, 2011, after fighting cancer for the past 5 years. He was born in Hales Corners on March 31, 1935, the son of the late Myron and Helen (nee: Barbian) Datka. He was untied in marriage to Kathleen T. Nemeth-Meyer on March 312, 1993. Jerry was a trucker all his life, hauling locally as well as long distance. In his leisure time, he also enjoyed riding along with his friend, Leon, doing pickups and deliveries in other states. Jerry retired from consolidated Freightways after 13 years and was a member of the Teamsters Union since 1954. After retirement, Jerry enjoyed working part time with Otto Paap for seven years doing some assembly as well as pickup and delivery. He was also a member of St. Louis Catholic Church. Jerry was known for all of his various pickup trucks he had over the years and his CB handle was ‘Huggy Bear’. Jerry loved the outdoors, whether he was taking care of his lawn or building fires to sit by at night. He took up golfing in the past decade and enjoyed meeting ‘the guys’ for coffee at the Pilot Restaurant. He was a farmer at heart and loved talking about farming and helping drive hay wagons for his brother and nephew. He is survived by wife Kathleen, who loved him dearly, and his children from his late wife, June (nee: Brown); Chris (Kathie), Cindy Summers, Corey, as well as Lorrie Wollenzien, who was like a daughter to him. In addition he has surviving eight stepchildren, 28 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren. He is further survived by his brothers and sisters, Kenneth (Judy), Ronnie, Robert (Pat-Deceased), Delores (Jim) Ircink, Gordon (Sue), Richard (Margie), and Karen Rummel). He was preceded in death by his brother, Ralph and nephew Mark. He is also survived by many special nieces and nephews whom he loved, as well as other relatives and friends. He will be deeply missed by all, especially by his step-son, Glenn Ikathy) Meyer, and two special nephews, Joe (Kelly) Datka and their daughter, his ’Little Sweetheart’ Mikayla, and Kenny (Debbie) Datka. He touched many lives and was an unforgettable man. We will miss you ‘Bear’. Funeral services will be held at Sturino Funeral Home on Saturday, may 28, 2011 located at 3014 Northwestern Ave., Racine, WI 53404. There will be a visitation at the funeral home starting at 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m. He will be laid to rest immediately following the service at Caledonia Memorial Park.

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Gerald Ronald Datka

March 31, 1935 - May 26, 2011