Jerome "Jerry" Streitz

Jerome Alden Streitz, age 88, of Sauk Centre and formerly of Brooklyn Center, passed away peacefully on November 15, 2025, at Saint Cloud Hospital with his son, Michael by his side.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 12 p.m. on Monday, November 24, at River of Life Church in Sauk Centre. Military honors will be by the Sauk Centre United Veterans Honor Guard.

Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Monday at the church.

Jerry was born on February 21, 1937, to Alfred and Ruth (Holmgren) Streitz in Minneapolis. The fourth of ten children, he grew up in a lively, hardworking household that shaped his strong work ethic and sense of loyalty.

Jerry proudly served in the United States Army 11th airborne as a paratrooper. Following his military service, he worked in a sawmill before beginning a position with Standard Oil, where he revitalized failing gas stations across the region. He then became a mechanic at Swanberg and Scheffe Buick in Northeast Minneapolis. His strong leadership skills soon led him to the Teamsters Union 974, where he rose to become a respected labor leader. The National Teamsters office later appointed him to oversee a troubled sister union in the Twin Cities, a responsibility he carried out with integrity while managing both roles simultaneously.

In 1957, Jerry married the love of his life, Carol Louis Christo. They shared 53 years of marriage until her passing in 2011. Together, they built a family filled with love, resilience, and deep faith.

Jerry is survived by his sons, Michael (St. Paul), Jerry Jr. (Fergus Falls), and Paul (Sauk Centre); three grandchildren, Jerry III, Alex, and Nora; and five great-grandchildren, Cooper, Jaclyn, Olivia Charlie and Olive. He is also survived by his sisters, Jeanette (Dick) Sutherland and Judy (Bryce) Gregerson; brothers, Joel (Kay), Jeff (Carolyn), and Jesse (Laurie); as well as many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; siblings, John, Jimmy, Joan, and Jack; and his beloved wife, Carol.