In loving memory of

Gerald Michael Modjeski
January 10, 1935 - February 2, 2017

Gerald Michael Modjeski, age 82, passed away peacefully at Lake Winona Manor on Thursday, February 2, 2017.

Gerald was born January 10, 1935 in Winona, one of thirteen children of Valentine L. and Mary M. (Gliszcinski) Modjeski. Gerald lived in Winona all his life, received First Communion and Confirmation at St. Mary's Parish, graduated from Winona Senior High School in 1953, and studied accounting at Winona Area Vocational School. Gerald married Barbara P. Roth at St. Mary's Parish and together they enjoyed 57 years of marriage. Gerald was employed at several firms during his career with his last 25 years until retiring from Hossfeld Mfg. Co. Gerald enjoyed hunting and fishing and was a former member of the Winona Bowhunters. Gerald actively did genealogy research in his Modrzejewski/Modjeski family tree and his grandparents, August and Victoria (Gostomczyk) Modrzejewski family from Poland.

Gerald was a good husband and father and is survived by his wife, Barbara and five children, James W. Smith, Winona, David M. (Leigh) Smith, Mounds View, MN, Gerald A Modjeski, La Crosse, WI, Mary (Dr. John) Merchlewitz, Winona, and Wayne R. Modjeski, Winona; seven grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; brother, Richard Modjeski, Winona; sisters, Delores Wraalstad, Greendale, WI and Genevieve Thompson, Mercer, WI. Gerald is Preceded in death by his parents; and nine siblings, Edward Modjeski, Rose Werra, Henry Modjeska, Valentine Modjeski Jr., George Modjeski, Ruth Thilmany, Patricia Hester, William Modjeski and Elizabeth Greenwood.

A Memorial service will be held 1 PM, Friday February 10, 2017 with visitation 1 hour prior at Hoff Celebration of Life Center, Goodview. Father James Berning and Ann Orzechowski will officiate. Interment will be in St. Mary's Cemetery. In Lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Mary's Parish, Winona, St. Mary's Cemetery Association, Winona or the American Cancer Society in his memory. Please leave a memory tribute and sign Jerry's Online Guestbook at www.hofffuneral.com.

Tributes

Wayne Modjeski wrote on Feb 10, 2017:

"Thank you Dad for everything you've given us. From our great family to the many memorable times and holidays we spent together. Most of all I'll miss you just checking up on me even long after I moved out, or you and Mom just driving by to wave at me. Maybe one day we'll go fishing together again."

Mike Rackow wrote on Feb 7, 2017:

"May you rest in peace uncle Jerry.We will miss your smile.We will do a prayer mass @ St.Marys in your honor.Our sympathy to Barb & family.With our deepest sympathy,Mike& Ruth "

Peter Stenshoel wrote on Feb 7, 2017:

"As a very close friend of Gerald's son, Jerry, I had an occasion to meet him and Barbara once at their home in Winona. I treasure the memory. I know this is a special family. My deepest condolences to all who feel the loss."

Jerry A. Modjeski wrote on Feb 7, 2017:

"My Dad had osteomyelitis as a child. It meant missing school, home, friends and family during long stays at St. Paul's Gillette Hospital. He eventually had a operation which shortened one leg, requiring wearing a oversize built up sole, walking with a limp (he had a ball bearing installed in his hip, that he could feel during certain weather). That he overcame that obstacle and and walked all his life is a miracle. Near the end I started calling him IRON MAN. Love ya, Dad. Your son, Jerry (Junior)"

Heidi Wobig wrote on Feb 6, 2017:

"Jerry always smiled and waved when he'd see us outside, and was always so nice to talk to. I'm sorry we didn't have more time! He will surely be missed! Our thoughts are with all of his family! Barb... if you need anything, we are here!! Your neighbors, The Wobig's"

Mary Ann Gierok wrote on Feb 6, 2017:

"To Jerry's wife and children, I used to wait on your husband and father at Shortys Restaurant 20 years ago and for about 20 years. He was always kind and nice and friendly and I always enjoyed waiting on the two or them. Peace with you all and my sympathy to all of the family especially Barb. Mary Ann Gierok (former waitress)"

Claire and Gary Bambenek wrote on Feb 4, 2017:

"Jerry was such a nice man. He always had a kind word for everyone he met. We know he will be sorely missed. We are thinking of you at your time of loss."