1946 - 2008

GERALD ""JERRY"" LISKA Beloved husband of Margaret Liska, passed away on Wednesday, September 24th at the age of 62 years. Jerry was born in Lethbridge, Alberta August 27th, 1946, a son to John and Julia Liska of the Readymade Area near Coaldale, Alberta. He grew up on the family farm and attended school at Readymade and Coaldale until he left school to work the farm full time. In 1968 he moved to Lethbridge with his parents. Jerry met and married Margaret Anderson in Lethbridge, Alberta. They wed October 25th, 1969.

Jerry was a skilled tradesman and very proud to hold three Journeyman tickets as a Welder, Millwright and Heavy Duty Mechanic. He and Margaret operated Subway Welding and South Country Marine until the early 1980s. Jerry also worked for several businesses including Wally's Irrigation where he worked until he retired.

Jerry held that you were a child three times in your life, as a child yourself, with your children and then again with your grandchildren. He shared the enjoyment of the outdoors with his family through fishing, camping, gold panning etc. He also coached numerous softball teams taking many through to provincial victories. Jerry was a level 3 coach. As a continuous learner, he honed his woodworking skills throughout his life and completed many beautiful projects.

To many, Jerry was the 'Sausage Guy'. He and his family continued his childhood learning of sausage making that began with his parents who brought the knowledge with them from Europe. This activity truly became a passion and usually twice a year, the family garage was transformed into a sausage shop, where the experience was shared with family and friends and was a great social activity. Jerry also loved to cook and tried many new recipes, having supper ready for Margaret when she got home from work. One of the family favorites was homemade chicken noodle soup with hand cranked egg noodles, a tradition passed down from his mom.

Left to mourn Jerry's passing are his wife Margaret (Anderson); son Leslie 'Les' (Shannon) Liska of Claresholm; daughter Cassandra 'Cassie' (Chris) Knight of Hussar. He is also survived by 3 sisters, Helen Hruska of Lethbridge; Mary (Mel) Just of North Dakota; Irene (Doug) McIntosh of Delacour; 1 sister-in-law Doreen Roy (Mike Gerzanich) of Lethbridge; 2 brothers-in-law, Arthur (Gloria) Anderson of Grimshaw; Fred (Ellen) Anderson of Calgary; Grand-children Riley and Kelsey of Claresholm and numerous nieces and nephews.

Jerry was predeceased by his parents John and Julia; 1 brother George; brother-in-law Joe Hruska; parents-in-law Mac and Avice Anderson; Nephew Nathanial Anderson and brother-in-law Walter Forst.

There will be a celebration of Jerry's life from 2:00pm to 4:00pm on Sunday, September 28th at the Bridge Villa Estates Community Centre, 2300 - 13th Street North, Lethbridge, AB. Please dress casually.

In lieu of flowers memorial donation may be made to a charity of your choice. At the family's request no funeral service will be held.