Jerry Siroky

HELENA - Former Mission Valley resident Jerry Siroky, 87, died peacefully July 26, 2004, at The Waterford in Helena. Jerry was born April 1, 1917, as a first generation American to John and Mary Siroky in Roy.

Jerry served in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Guam, Okinawa, and U.S. training camps as a training sergeant 1942 to 1946.

He met Betty Moore upon discharge from the Army and they married on March 15, 1947. Jerry and Betty raised eight children.

They lived from 1947 to 1968 as ranchers in Roy. From 1968 to 1974 they lived in Bozeman, Opheim and Dixon, where Betty taught school. From 1974 to 2001 Jerry and Betty again invested their lives in ranching and finished raising their family in Charlo and then Clinton.

Following Betty's death in 2001, Jerry retired to Helena to enjoy his final years at The Waterford.

Jerry is survived by his brother Mero Siroky of Lewistown; sisters Peggy Dodson of Helena, Abby Abel of Billings, Josephine Winter of San Jose, and Annie Kosier of Lewistown; children, Laurence Siroky and daughter-in-law Marilyn of Helena, Clarence Siroky and daughter-in-law Jeanne of Meridian, Idaho, Leslie Siroky and daughter-in-law Susan of Denver, Nicholette Troy and son-in-law Gene of Spokane, Mitchell Siroky and daughter-in-law Lyn of Billings, Ramona Mullican of Mitchell, S.D., Carl Siroky and daughter-in-law Kris of Billings, and Clairetta Siroky of Jacksonville, Fla.

Also surviving are 22 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren.

Jerry was preceded in death by his wife Betty, six siblings, and granddaughter Wendy Siroky.

He is best remembered for his warm smile, infectious laugh and propensity for teasing. Jerry worked hard and lived selflessly for his family and friends.

Funeral services were Aug. 2 at Retz Funeral Home chapel. Interment was at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery with military honors will be accorded by Lewis & Clark Veterans Council.

Memorials are suggested to Cancer Treatment Center of St. Peter's Hospital, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601