Gerald Andrew Krisik
1934 ~ 2025
Captain Gerald “Jerry” Andrew Krisik, age 90, died at his home on Saturday, April 26, 2025. Jerry was born in Ladysmith, Wisconsin on September 25, 1934. Jerry grew up on a dairy farm near Tony, Wisconsin, one of nine children. Jerry overcame childhood polio and always gave much credit to his father who took him to the Sister Kenny Institute in Minneapolis for treatment.
Jerry graduated from Glen Flora High School. His life story took a dramatic turn when he received his first airplane ride from his best friend, Tuffy Howard, in 1954. that 15-minute flight began a lifelong love of flying. The following summer, he used every dollar he saved and bought his first airplane, a used 1949 Taylorcraft BC-12 for $575. He didn’t know how to fly the plane and knew nothing about planes. He was late to milking that evening which angered his dad. Needless to say, his parents thought he was crazy when he told them he was late because he just bought an airplane! He soon earned his pilot’s license from instructor Elmer Wisherd. Later that year, Jerry worked as a crane operator for a logging operation on Outer Island on Lake Superior and would fly home from the island once a month - in his plane.
In 1956 Jerry enlisted in the United State Army, initially trained as an airplane mechanic, then an army pilot. He piloted every type of airplane and helicopter the army operated, 18 types of aircraft in total.
He became a flight instructor and taught many American and Vietnamese pilots how to fly. Jerry was stationed in Korea, Iran, and various bases throughout the United States. He enthralled many with his stories of flying. He had to crash land three planes in his Army career and due to his skill was assigned a difficult helicopter assignment to rescue the Shah of Iran’s brother in the mountains. He received a handwritten thank you letter from the Shah and an ornately decorated silver tray and bowl for his heroics. He retired from the Army as Lieutenant Colonel after 24 years of service, 11 years active duty and 13 years reserve duty.
While Jerry was stationed in Boston, Massachusetts, he met the love of his life, the young stewardess Ann Harrington. Jerry was asked to go on a double date, as he was the guy with the car. It worked out well for Jerry and Ann. They married in 1959. They had three children, Catherine, Lynn, and Andrew, and were married for 65 years at the time of his death. Following his career in the Army, Jerry flew commercially for Northwest Airlines for 27 years [Date of hire: 2/27/67], with Captain Jerry Krisik piloting the DC-10, B-727, B-747, B-757 and the B-767.
Jerry and Ann purchased a farm near Amery, Wisconsin in 1970, so in addition to flying for the airline, he also raised a herd of 100 Hereford beef cattle with much help from Ann and the kids. Jerry’s career and his hobby was flying. He owned many airplanes throughout his life.
After he retired from Northwest Airlines, he spent 4 years building his own beautiful airplane, an RV-7A. He and Ann would travel the country in that plane to visit friends and family. Jerry was still flying until a few years ago, finishing with over 30,000 hours of flying to his credit. He received a reward from the FAA for 50 years of safe flying. He gave countless children their first ride in an airplane through EAA's Young Eagle Program, and taught his daughter Catherine, son Andew, and his grandson Xavier to fly.
Jerry was a faithful member of St Joseph Catholic Church in Amery. He was also a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion. His family gave him tremendous joy. He loved playing the card game 99 with his family, and spending time with grandchildren and their partners on the farm, making apple cider or teaching them how to drive a tractor, or the Model A he beautifully reconditioned. His family will all miss him dearly. Everyone who knew Jerry Krisik will miss him. He led an amazing life, full of faith, love, laughter, service and airplanes.
Jerry Krisik is preceded in death by his parents, Andrew and Margaret Krisik, his siblings Ellen, Jack, Glen, Margaret (Muggy), and Betty. He is survived by his sisters Irene, Patricia (Patsy), and Kathleen, his wife Ann, his children, Catherine (Kate), Lynn (wife of Paul Schwartz) and Andrew (Andy) and his grandchildren, Xavier (husband to Emily Guy), Margaret, Marie (fiancé to Matt Boddewyn), Liam and Patrick.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
(~The Krisik family)
Note: Jerry Krisik has been described as both a through and through farmer and aviator. He faithfully attended the reknown EAA Airshow at Oshkosh every year. At one time he owned three airplanes, including the beautiful Vann's RV-7 he built himself. One year. he fretted about possible 'tied down' aircraft damage due the Wisconsin afternoon thunderstorms and opted to drive to Oshkosh instead. While at Oshkosh a thunderstorm (possibly a toronado) struck Jerry's hanger back home and destroyed one of his airplanes.