Jerry was born in Butte, Montana to Rudolf and Marion Kruljac.  He was their only child.  Jerry grew up in Dillon, Montana and attended special education classes until eighth grade.  He attended the school for the deaf and blind in Great Falls from 1973 to 1975 before returning to live with his family in Dillon. Jerry attended Chance Inc., for several months before Jerry and his father decided this was not for him.  Jerry worked for the Forest Service and was a ranch hand helper until he moved to Butte.

Jerry's father passed away in 1981, after this he wanted to be independent away from his mother.  Jerry was fiercely independent throughout his life.  Jerry moved to Butte to pursue sheltered employment with BSW Inc and live at the New Hope Apartments, a semi-independent facility, while learning independent life skills.

Jerry spent 44 years working at BSW Inc. He worked in the woodshop building picnic tables, cutting stakes for the forest service and other contractors.  He could run any of the saws and all of the other equipment in the shop.  The last several years he helped with pick ups and deliveries for the thrift store.  In the summer months you could find him on the highway interchanges mowing the grass and keeping the grounds clean.  Jerry was very dedicated to his job.  He was always the first one to work in the mornings and rarely missed a shift.

Jerry spent 13 years living at the New Hope Apartments learning to become independent with his life skills.  In 1995 Jerry achieved his goal of living independently and moved to the Leggat Apartments.   Silver Bow Developmental Disabilities Council supported Jerry to help him live independently and, with their help, he helped build his new very own Habitat for Humanity home on Main Street.  Jerry also helped his next-door neighbor build at the same time.  Jerry was very close to his neighbors and helped them daily, taking out the trash or shoveling their sidewalks.  Jerry enjoyed his new home immensely and also bought a new truck that he named "Jesse".

When Jerry was not at work, he spent his time driving around town gathering pallets for Jesse or Mark and visiting Dillon when he could.  Jerry always volunteered to help pull equipment for Special Olympics with SBDDC and was always a helping hand for many community projects or events.

Jerry competed in Special Olympics.  First with BSW and then with SBDDC.  He was very proud of his accomplishments and the many medals he received.  He competed in downhill skiing, basketball and summer games.

Jerry's Mother always referred to Jerry as his "greatest blessing."  Jerry maintained a loving relationship with his mom, who truly was the love of his life.  Jerry would call her "Mudder" in his adorable way. They spent time together, going to family reunions, camping, sharing in many photos together.  Marion passed away May 13, 2016.  Jerry was extremely close to his Austrian born immigrant Grandfather who settled in Dillon, Montana.  His Grandfather made sure that Jerry would be ok later in life.  Jerry had a very tight relationship to one Uncle, who also ensured Jerry would be taken care of.

Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, all of his aunts and uncles, and several of his work crew members.  He left behind cousins, extended family, many friends, co-workers and support staff.

Silver Bow Developmental Disabilities staff over the years helped Jerry remain independent, especially Todd, Rhoda and Holli.  The ladies at the BSW Thrift Store supported and loved working with Jerry.  The BSW truck drivers who worked closely with Jerry every day were a tremendous part of his support system.  Lora, (yellow monkey banana), his "boss" Jerry loved and respected dearly.

Jerry always talked about wanting to move back home to Dillon, Montana, where he was born and grew up.  Jerry will be laid to rest in Dillon with his mother and father.

Working with individuals with developmental disabilities is more than just a job.  Jerry has touched the lives of many people over the years.  He will be missed by so many.

Jerry's Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, May 11, 2026 at 11:00 am at Duggan Dolan Mortuary in Butte.