Jerry Strelick, 90, of Richardson, Texas, passed away on Sunday, January 22, 2023. He was born on July 14, 1932 to the late John & Ann (Walsh) Strelick. Jerry was born and raised in Iron Mountain, Michigan, the second of five children. He enjoyed having his own paper route as a child and taking his sister on bike rides. Jerry played basketball into high school and was a 1951 graduate of Iron Mountain High School.
Jerry proudly served in the United States Coast Guard. Upon his return, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1959. His career as Electrical Engineer moved him to Chicago, Illinois, Greenfield, Wisconsin, and eventually Dallas, Texas. Jerry went on to sell real estate before opening up his own engraving company in 1974, Arrow Engraving, in Richardson, Texas, which he owned and operated until his retirement in 2011.
In his early years, Jerry enjoyed playing pool and ping pong. Over the years, he found a love for reading, gardening, and politics. Jerry followed the stock market and had a strong appreciation for financial growth and wellness. He was a parishioner of St. Mark's Catholic Church in Plano for many years. More than anywhere else in the world, Jerry loved being home the most as that is where his heart truly was – with his family.
Above all, Jerry cherished his family. In 1957, Jerry married Eunice Gietzen and they spent 65 wonderful years of marriage together. Together they built a life of love, strength, and respect. He was a devoted husband and father. He was caring and loving, always supportive and always accepting. Jerry’s quiet nature spoke volumes to those around him and was admired by so many. He had a wonderful sense of humor and found joy in the small things in life. He truly was an all-around great guy who will be greatly missed by all who loved and knew him.
In addition to his parents, Jerry was preceded in death by his brother, Father Charles Strelick; and sister, Ann Strelick. He is survived by his beloved wife, Eunice; his three children and their spouses, Janet & Terry Noble of The Colony, Texas, Debbie & David Hitt of Allen, Texas, and Stephen & Vicki Strelick of Allen, Texas; grandchildren, Rochelle (Daman) LeGros, Ryan (Rachel) Hitt, Alyssa Hitt, Christopher Burnett, and Ashley (Tom) Utley; great-grandchildren, Shelby, Allison, Judah, Riley, Dillan, Cheyenne, and Caitlan; sisters, Anita Everson of Colorado and Mary Jeske of Minnesota; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, February 2, 2023 from 7:00-9:00pm with a vigil service beginning at 7:00pm in Sparkman Funeral Home, Richardson. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 3, 2023 at 2:00pm St. Mark Catholic Church, Plano, Texas. Jerry will be laid to rest with military honors at the Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery.
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