Obituary for Jerome F. ‘Jerry’ Barina
January 27, 1930 – June 19, 2023
Jerome F. Barina, “Jerry,” 93, passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on June 19 at St. Monica’s Senior Living. He was born in Racine, on Jan. 27, 1930, the second of three children of the late Frank and Anna (nee: Kuzela) Barina.
Jerry contracted polio as an infant but it did not limit his achievement or happiness in life. He graduated from William Horlick High School, class of 1947, and went on to Marquette University Law School. Upon graduating in 1953, Jerry went into private practice in Racine. In 1957 he was honored by holding the distinction of being the youngest appointee in Wisconsin as a Justice of the Peace, a position he held until 1965. Jerry then returned to full-time work in his private practice until his retirement in 2002.
At a meeting of the Thomist Association at St. Catherine’s High School, Jerry met Joyce Junion, who quickly became the love of his life. On Oct. 28, 1961, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Green Bay, they were united in marriage. Jerry and Joyce were active members of St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church. He served as trustee multiple times and as a prayer leader. He was proud to serve St. John’s Credit Union for 25 years in multiple terms as president and as secretary.
Through the years, Jerry enjoyed swimming, golf, bowling, fishing, and card games, especially Sheepshead. He was an avid Marquette, Wisconsin, Packers and Brewers fan. Jerry and Joyce made many memories traveling the world together. He was a humble man and is remembered by his colleagues as a true gentleman. Jerry was a devoted husband and family man who will be dearly missed.
Surviving are his beloved wife of 61 years, Joyce; sisters-in-law, Carol Jones, and Lynne (Marvin Hellenbrand) Frits; many godchildren, nieces, nephews, other relatives, and dear friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Edward (LaVerne); sister, Eleanor; and sister-in-law, Nancy Junion.
Services
A mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 11 a.m. on June 28 at St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church with Rev. Steve Varghese officiating. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet prior to the mass from 10 to 10:45 a.m. Memorials to St. Monica’s Senior Living or St. John Nepomuk Catholic Church have been suggested. The funeral will be live-streamed and may be viewed by going to the funeral home website, selecting Jerry’s Page, selecting service, then live stream.
Special thank you to Tom and Pat Barina, Lynne Frits, and the staff of St. Monica’s and St. Croix Hospice for their love, support and compassionate care.
Obituary and photo courtesy of Maresh-Meredith & Acklam Funeral Home.
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