Geraldine “Jerri” Klamert
June 19, 1937 – October 7, 2025
It is with great sorrow and immense love that we announce the passing of Geraldine “Jerri” Klamert, a beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Jerri passed away peacefully on October 7, 2025, surrounded by her family and many dear friends at the age of 88.
Born on June 19, 1937, in St. Louis, Missouri, to the late Victor and Julia Kuba, Jerri grew up with her siblings, the late Jane (Bill) Jerashen and Jim (Wanda) Kuba. She was a loving sister and a devoted aunt to many nieces —some by blood, many by heart.
Jerri attended Bayless School District, where she began forming friendships that would last a lifetime. In high school, she was involved in basketball, volleyball, soccer, the drill and baton twirling team, and the pep club. After graduation, she attended Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, earning her degree in Education. A founding member of Alpha Chi Omega sorority, she embraced campus life, joining clubs and even trying synchronized swimming (despite admitting she didn’t love the water!).
After college, Jerri returned home to teach in the Bayless School District, where she spent over 30 years inspiring students and forming another circle of lifelong friends. Her warmth, creativity, and care for her students left a lasting impact on everyone she met.
Jerri married the late Norman (Nick) Klamert, after meeting him while he was on weekend leave from the Army. The rest, as they say, was history. Married for 43 years, Jerri and Nick built a beautiful life together filled with love and laughter. Together, they enjoyed playing cards, traveling, and the “occasional” casino outing. When they had their two daughters, their house became the “second home” for their daughters’ school and neighborhood friends, with Jerri happily known as the second mom to everyone.
She is survived by her daughters Kristy Lomantini and Cindy (Lee) Dowers; grandchildren Patrick (Emmy), Alyssa, Kourtney (Ryan), Kelsey (Darren), and Alexa; and great-grandchildren Delaney, Rowan, Cecelia, and Liam, and was preceded in death by her grandson, Michael. Family was at the center of everything Jerri did. Anyone who met her soon heard about her children and grandchildren—usually accompanied by photos she’d scroll through on “this darn phone.” Family gatherings, full of laughter, silly games, and countless memories, were her favorite times.
Jerri’s circle of friends was vast and vibrant. She kept in touch with her grade school, high school, and college friends, meeting regularly for lunches, traveling, bowling leagues, and hosting game nights. A lifelong bridge player, she learned in the 1960s and continued to play weekly for decades with many groups. She stayed active throughout her life—walking at Francis Park or the mall (often lapping her grandkids), and joining groups like the 10 Toes Walking Group, Fancy Plants Garden Club, and the humorously named “Bad Habits” lunch-and-slots crew.
At 79, Jerri sold her house and moved into a condo where she quickly built another community of friends. They shared picnics, lunches, regular visits and evenings watching the St. Louis Cardinals and the St. Louis Blues.
Jerri never met a stranger and had a gift for making everyone feel included and loved. Her friends often joked that she was “Miss Popular,” not because she sought attention, but because she truly cared about people. She’d drop everything to help someone in need, teach a new friend how to play cards, or simply listen. Her kindness, selflessness, and warmth touched every life she encountered. Her legacy of friendship and love lives on through her family, friends, and all who were lucky enough to know her.
Services: Visitation at Kutis South County (5255 Lemay Ferry) on Thursday, 10/16 from 4-7 pm
Funeral on Friday, 10/17 at 10:00 am Kutis South County Chapel
Interment: JB National Cemetery on Friday 10-17 at 11:00 am
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the MVL Scholarship Fund in memory of her late grandson. You can Venmo your donation to https://venmo.com/u/Kristy-Lomantini or mail a check to Kristine Lomantini 814 Valley Pine Dr. Fenton, MO 63026. Make check payable to Kristine Lomantini and note MVL scholarship in memo line
An amazing person. Kind to everyone. Thanks for making your house a second home to me growing up. Fondest memories include you and your family. Heaven has gained an Angel today.