Jerry J. Styrsky

A Tribute to the Life of Jerry J. Styrsky (husband of Mickey Styrsky, father of Jerry D. Styrsky and Krista Jo Smerz):

Jerry J. Styrsky was born in Oak Park, IL, on May 24, 1942, to Jerry B. and Slavka Styrsky. He grew up in the Berwyn area and attended Morton High School.

In 1959 he enrolled in the Printing Management degree program at Carnegie Tech in Pittsburgh, PA, where he participated in ROTC. While attending school he met Michele (Mickey) Rasmussen. They married on Feb 4, 1964. They had two children-Jerry D. and Krista Jo (Smerz).

Jerry served in the army in many locations during his career. He attended the Ordnance School at Aberdeen Proving Ground, MD, in March 1964. In June, 1964, Jerry attended the Naval Explosive Ordnance School at Indian Head, MD. In 1965-1966 he was assigned to the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit at Fort Riley, KS. In 1966-1967 Captain Styrsky was assigned to the 8th Ordnance Detail (EOD) in Korea. From 1967-1969 Major Styrsky was assigned to Fort Carson, CO. After his assignment at Fort Carson, Major Styrsky transitioned to the Army Reserve where he retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1992.

After his discharge from active duty, he had a variety of careers ranging from printing management to computer management. Jerry continued to serve his country and God throughout his life. He was an active member of the VFW Post 2791, serving as commander for a couple of years and as the chairman of the family support group for many years. He was an active member of AVMRA (American Veterans Motorcycle Riders Association) Tinley Park Chapter, where he served, at one point, as the director of the organization. Jerry was also a lifetime member of the American Legion. He was in charge of the Family Support Group with the 308th Civil Affairs Group in Homewood, IL, where he was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year in 2009.

Jerry was an active patriot who will truly be missed.