Jerome J. Lakota

Jerry, a lifelong resident of Joliet, Illinois, passed away peacefully at home under the care of Lightways Hospice and Marge Lakota, his devoted wife of 58 years. His life was defined by faith, family, hard work, a never-give-up attitude, and a quick-witted sense of humor. Jerry contracted polio as a child, which left him with a permanent limp, but you never heard him talk about limitations. To his family he was the strongest man they knew.

Jerry married the love of his life, Marge (nee Kukla), in 1967. His sister Babs introduced the two. (His red Rambler convertible also made a good impression.) Together they raised five kids and instilled in them the importance of family traditions like the Wigilia Christmas Eve meal and the Slovak/Croatian Easter breakfast. Along the way, they renovated their home one room and one 2x4 at a time and cultivated a thriving garden that made their small city lot feel more like a farm, complete with rows of sweet corn.

Jerry worked in the engineering department at Caterpillar for 42 years. He also helped at his dad’s store, Lakota Jewelers, until it closed in 1977. Once Jerry became a dad, he started work before sunrise so he could always be there for his kids’ after-school activities. That same drive carried into everything he did at home. He could fix anything from carburetors to kitchen cabinets and took pride in passing his DIY enthusiasm and “Jerry-rigging” abilities on to his kids.

An active, lifetime member of St. Mary Nativity Church, Jerry served on the parish council, athletic board, and school board. Name a youth sport and he coached it. He was also an election judge and St. Pat’s neighborhood association treasurer. He touched the lives of so many people because he showed up wherever he was needed—be that as a dedicated coach, a boisterous fan, a supportive Dad, or a playful Papa to his ten grandkids.

Among other things, Jerry will be remembered by his family and friends as a wisecracker. He had a joke for any occasion. When asked how he remembered them, he said, “I don’t. They just pop into my head when the time is right.”

Jerry also loved music—from Sousa marches to Rodgers and Hammerstein soundtracks. He played the French horn in the American Legion Band for 15+ years—a passion that began in fourth grade, when the horn was bigger than he was.

Above all, family was everything to Jerry. In 1994, he and his cousin Emily revived the Lakota family reunions, bringing together more than 300 people. They kept the tradition going until 2018, when they passed the torch to the next generation. In retirement his commitment to family deepened. Jerry became his grandkids’ biggest fan, rarely missing a game or performance—no bleacher too cold, no field, gymnasium, or auditorium too far.

Jerry is survived by his beloved wife, Marge; his children, Kristy (Chip) Garland; Greg Lakota (Roberta Marstellar); Bill (Lori) Lakota; Karole Lakota-Treese (Erik); and Laurie Lakota-Gudas (Edward); grandchildren, Brenna (Michael Kraus), Bailey (John) Tyrrell, Erik (Maddy) Lakota, Lexie, Grace, Lucy, Rose, Stella, Kalina and Lainie; and great-grandson, Kayce; his sisters Barbara “Babs” Ludwick and Karen (Paul) McDermott; and numerous brothers- and sisters-in-law, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Louis Lakota Sr. and Helen Lakota (nee Trizna); his infant sister Mary, his brother and sister-in-law, Louis (Mary Fran) Lakota Jr., and brother-in-law Mike Ludwick.

The family extends its heartfelt gratitude to Lightways Hospice for their exceptional care and compassion — especially Nurse Margie, CNAs Barb and Bri, and Integrity Senior Caregiver Felicia.

Visitation will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tezak’s Home to Celebrate Life (1211 Plainfield Rd, Joliet, IL 60435). The family invites relatives and friends back to the funeral home Tuesday, April 21, 2026 for visitation from 9:30 a.m. until closing prayers at 10: 30 a.m. we will then travel in procession to St. Mary Nativity Church (706 N Broadway St, Joliet, IL 60435) for a Mass of Christian Burial to be held at 11:00 a.m. Following Mass, cremation rites will be respectfully addressed. Inurnment will take place at St. Mary Nativity Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Lightways Hospice (250 Water Stone Cir, Joliet, IL 60431) or St. Mary Nativity Catholic Church.