One of the things I can tell you about Jerry Klingler is that he is fun to be around. Whenever I am around him, he seems to always have a smile on his face. He laughs easily and often and is a person who makes a real difference here at Good Shepherd.

He is a great partner in the faith and a friend to many. (I would also be remiss if I didn't acknowledge that Jerry serves as the delivery man for his wife Jo Lou's cinnamon rolls each month for the Seniors/Retirees potluck lunch -- my personal favorite treat!)

Jerry and Jo Lou have been members of Good Shepherd for many years, joining the church in the Fall of 1977. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in September 2010.

After graduating from Montana State College, Jerry went to work with the General Electric Co. in Richland, WA (Hanford Atomic Products Operation.) He and Jo Lou lived 17 years at Hanford, during which time they were actively involved at Richland Lutheran Church. Jerry sang in the choir, was a member of the Board of Deacons, president of the congregation, and chairman of the Church Council. They left Hanford in 1972 when Jerry went to work with the Atomic Energy Commission in Atlanta, GA.

Joining the Lutheran Church in Doraville, Jerry again sang in the choir, was head of worship and music, and president of the congregation. The Klinglers moved to Maryland in 1976 and joined Good Shepherd Lutheran.

Jo Lou and Jerry are blessed with two daughters, seven grandchildren, and one great- grandchild in the area. One of their daughters, two granddaughters, and two great-grandchildren live in Oregon.

Over the years, Jerry has sung tenor in Good Shepherd’s Chancel Choir, ushered for worship, participated in Shepherding Groups, been a part of the Seniors/Retirees ministry, and much more.

Most recently, Jerry has been a regular at Thursday morning’s Bible Study with Pr. Fritz Foltz, and a strong supporter of our Thursday evening Midweek Worship. The Bible Study group has been blessed by Jerry's enthusiastic participation as well as advanced preparation. He is known to read a tremendous amount in preparation for each study and contributes so much to each session.

“Jerry is a joy to have in class, because he always has an opinion -- yet he’s always ready to hear and consider what others have to say,” Pr. Foltz said.

Jerry also has been the facilitator and leader for the Seniors/Retirees Ministry at Good Shepherd. In that role, he has worked with the Steering Committee to plan activities and other events such as the monthly luncheons and the countless trips and fellowship events.

I truthfully believe that one of the reasons they are always able to round up people to be on the Senior planning team is the fact that Jerry does a good job leading them – plus they enjoy hanging out with him!

“In the years we have been members of Good Shepherd, we have gone through all the building programs, and have seen many changes in the church,” Jerry commented. “The friends that we have made have enriched our lives, and this is a testament to the friendly people who belong to our church,” he added.

Jerry -- thanks for your outgoing and ongoing witness, and for sharing your gifts with us in your church family!

 

Jerry in Action at Good Shepherd

• With wife Jo Lou Klingler
• On Senior/Retirees farm tour
• At center table for St. Patrick’s Day luncheon hosted by Seniors
• In weekly Bible study with leader Pastor Fritz Foltz