Gerald "Jed" Schleich

Gerald H. “Jed” Schleich, 88, of La Crescent, died on Monday, August 3, 2015 at the Golden Living Center. Jed was born on March 14, 1927 in Caledonia, MN to Nicolas and Luella (Mackey) Schleich. Jed was a U.S. Navy veteran. He married Joyce Liersch on June 22, 1959 in Hokah, MN. He worked as a truck driver most of his life and in his retirement he worked as a custodian with the La Crescent/Hokah School District and as a coach and bus driver for Ready Bus Lines.
Jed made the most of his 88 years, spending as much time as possible with family and friends. Known for his sense of humor, he always looked forward to his daily opportunities to shoot the breeze. Whether spending weekends camping, evenings in the carport, or later years on the deck; Jed enjoyed nothing more than a lively conversation. As a resident of La Crescent for nearly 60 years, Jed could often be seen visiting with the employees of La Crescent’s local businesses, and considered himself the unofficial Quillin’s greeter. The only exception to this would be at 5 pm on Saturdays, which was reserved for taking over the rear pew at the Church of the Crucifixion for weekly mass. He served as an Usher for many years. While his friendships were important, Jed’s pride was his family. Beginning with his 56 years of marriage to Joyce, together they raised two children, Jayne and Mike. Always willing to share the accomplishments of his children, his face really lit up when speaking of his grandchildren, Brianna and Megan, both of whom equally cherished their grandpa.
He is survived by his wife Joyce, two children, Jayne (Dave) Otto of La Crosse and Michael (Lisa) Schleich of Liberty Lake, WA; two grandchildren, Brianna Burner and Megan Schleich, two sisters-in-law, Lorene Schleich of Hokah and Alice Schleich of Caledonia. Other special survivors include: Nick Otto, Tanya (Otto) Vangen, Cindy Belanger, and his many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers, Omer, Valery, John “Jack”, and Duane.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, August 7, 2015 at 11:00 AM at the Church of the Crucifixion, La Crescent. Rev. Gregory Havel will officiate. Burial will be in the Crucifixion Catholic Cemetery. Friends may call at the church on Friday from 10:00 AM until the time of service. Memorials may be given to the Crucifixion Church Reconstruction Fund or Crucifixion Catholic Grade School. The Schumacher-Kish Funeral & Cremation Services of La Crescent is in charge of arrangements.
Jed was especially grateful for all who went out of their way to visit and watch over him in recent years as his health declined. We can all rest comfortably knowing now he is once again “Finer than a frog-hair.”