Jerry "Beak" Aleksich

On March 20, 2023, Gerald (Jerry) Aleksich passed away just one week short of his 83rd birthday.  Jerry was born in Butte, Montana on March 27, 1940, to Andy and Nancy (Haidin) Aleksich. Jerry had three older sisters Jean, Mary, and Virginia and a younger brother and sister Louis (Herb) and Sandi.

Jerry was raised on "The Boulevard" in Butte, Montana and attended Madison and Webster Garfield elementary schools. After graduating from Butte High School in 1958, Jerry joined the US Army and was a member of the 7th Battle Group - Company B at Fort Ord, California. After completing basic training, he was stationed at Fort Sill, Oklahoma before serving with the 593rd Engineering Company at Camp Friendly in Thailand. Jerry further served his country and state as a member of the Montana National Guard.

After completing his service and returning home to Butte, Jerry met his forever partner in Maryjo Tracy. Jerry and Maryjo eloped to Idaho Falls and were married on June 16, 1969. After getting married, they returned to Butte and celebrated their marriage with a delightful family gathering at the Pekin Noodle Parlor restaurant.

After completing an apprenticeship, Jerry installed carpet and other flooring with his brother-in-law Charles (Chuck) Stears at Stears Floor Covering.  After several years of installing flooring, Jerry then became a teamster and worked for two beer distributorships until he retired. He enjoyed his out-of-town routes and established many friendships along the way. After retirement, Jerry kept busy working for Avis Car Rental shuttling cars.

Although Jerry enjoyed work, he also excelled in physical fitness, loved the outdoors, and cherished his time with his family. Jerry could be seen daily jogging/walking throughout Butte as he logged thousands of miles doing so. Jerry was also not the kind of person to ask for help; however, he was the first to help when anyone was in need.

Jerry was passionate about fishing and hunting with his sons, nephews, and friends. Jerry enjoyed fishing on the Jefferson and Big Hole Rivers and hunting at Weber Park near Wise River. He also enjoyed going for rides with his family and friends to scout for elk. As the family aged and expanded, Jerry enjoyed spending time and having conversations with his grandchildren and nephews, which warmed his heart.

Jerry is preceded in death by his parents Andy and Nancy Aleksich, his sisters and brothers- in-law Charles & Virginia Stears, Mary & Vyron Wells, Frank Kinsella, Jean Kinsella – Mulcahy, and Rich Mulcahy, and his niece Sheri Stears.

Jerry is survived by the following: his wife Maryjo Aleksich. Sons and spouses: Greg & Ebony Aleksich and Andrew & Susan Aleksich. Surviving siblings and spouses: Louis (Herb) & Rainelle Aleksich, Sandi & Roy Crittenden. Grandchildren: Brayden and Lauren Huffman and Fiona and Victoria Aleksich. Sisters-in-law: Marlene Tracy and Patricia Durnford. Brothers-in law: Joe Matz and Edward Tracy. Nephews: Mike Stears, Dan Stears, Brent Aleksich, Brock Aleksich, Mark Wells, Jesse Tracy, Jordan Tracy, Winston Matz and Spencer Matz. Nieces: Britney Campbell, Patti Rafish, Debbie Bristol, Lisa Arnold, Wendy Drew, Rachelle Alger, Alicia Combo, Audrey Combo, Ann Quick, and Ashleigh Doud. Great Nephews: Michael Stears, Marcus Stears, Coy Campbell, Zach Bristol, Liam Doud, Cormic Sletten, Austin Arnold, Zale Wells, Morgan Askins, Teaghan Tracy, and Ledger Tracy. Great Nieces: Cambri Campbell, Cendyl Campbell, Anika Aleksich, Kinsley Rafish, Britney Nusser, Ashley Spruyt, Tyler Leslie, Johnna Drew, Ellie Wells, Megan Doud, Ryleigh Doud, Lakelynn Tracy, Kellhyn Tracy, and Tinleigh Tracy.

Funeral service will be private per the request of Jerry. In lieu of flowers, donations to Jerry's favorite charities "Camp Mak-a-Dream" and St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital would be appreciated.