Gerald "Jay" Piska

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m., Wednesday, January 20, 2016, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Elkhart, IA. Visitation will be held one hour prior to the service at the church.

Gerald Jay Piska was born October 14, 1937, in Bertrand, Nebraska. He grew up in Holdrege, Nebraska where he graduated high school. Following graduation, Jay enlisted and proudly served his country in the United States Navy. Upon his honorable discharge from the Navy, Jay returned home to Holdrege to work and “chased” the girls. It continued until he met Deanna Kay Monter. They were married on August 8, 1960, in Council Bluffs, Iowa and from that day forward he affectionately referred to her as “My Bride”.

Jay set forth to make a life, working at the local grocery store and worked his way up to the corporate office in Nebraska and onto North Dakota. Deciding he enjoyed being his own boss he went out with his “bride” and purchased a grocery store in Minnesota, and later in Iowa. They operated the store until their retirement and moved to the warmer climate of Pharr, Texas. Along the way the couple was blessed with three children; Randall, Renee, and Robert, six grandchildren, one step-grandchild, and five great-grandchildren.

Jay was quite passionate about a few things in life; his “Bride”, family, horses, cards “Poker” in retirement, but 10 point pitch with family and friends. Poker was played for money, but pitch was something much more; it was for “Family Bragging Rights” until the next time.

Jay will be deeply missed by his three children, Randall Piska of Ankeny, IA, Renee (Joe) Nelson of Thornton, IA, and Robert (Jo Ann) Piska of Mason City, IA; grandchildren, Elizabeth (J.D. Tanner) Piska of Joplin, MO, Erin Piska of Ankeny, IA and Rogers, AR, Steven (Sarah) Nelson of Thornton, IA, Brad (Logan) Nelson who are stationed in South Korea, Chris Nelson of Thornton, IA, Mindie (Nick) Smith of Mason City, IA; great-grandchildren, Jagger Tanner, Brelynn Nelson, Kynnley Nelson, Carter Nelson, and Quinn Nelson. Jay is also survived by his brothers, Joe (Mary) Piska or Holdrege, NE and Jerome (Kathy) Piska of Marietta, GA; and a brother-in-law, Kent Monter of Overland Park, KS. Jay was preceded in death by his “Bride”, Deanna Piska; grandson, Scott Nelson; brother, James Piska; and sisters, Laverne Groger and Kathleen Burns.