Gerald F. Bagniewski

Fountain City, WI - Gerald Francis Bagniewski, 62, entered into eternal life on March 21, 2011. Gerry was a loving husband, father, grandpa, son, brother, and friend. Gerry was born on October 25,1948 in Arcadia, WI to Eugene and Lucille (Larson) Bagniewski. Growing up, he enjoyed helping with chores on the family farm, showing pigs at the fair, and going on FFA trips. Gerry graduated from C-FC high school in 1966. After graduation, he served in the U.S. Army Reserves; training at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. On May 4, 1968, Gerry married his soul mate, Edith Jenkinson. He was so very proud of their family: Peggy Bagniewski and Jacob Davis, their children Wes and Madi; Cindy and Bob Bautch, their daughter, Andrea; Stephanie Bagniewski and Frank Peterson; and Amanda Bagniewski, who is engaged to be married to Joe Gillett on June 18. Over the years, Gerry loved hunting, truck pulls, bowling, throwing horseshoes, motorcycle rides, singing karaoke, and working on projects. He worked for many years at Peerless Chain, and later at the Co-Op in Alma. Most recently he enjoyed a volunteer position driving veterans to the VA in Minneapolis. Topping his list was always his wife and family. Gerry loved spending his free time with Edith, especially since she recently retired. They enjoyed their grandchildren, walking hand-in-hand, bird watching, puzzles, classic car cruises, attending mass and participating in Perpetual Adoration at Cathedral, and just being together. Gerry's boys were just like sons, he enjoyed four-wheeling snowmobiling, and doing other "guy-stuff" with them. Gerry was always just a phone call away, ready and willing to step in when anyone needed anything. He brought joy and laughter to all situations.Gerry will be dearly missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his parents, wife, children and grandchildren; three brothers, Eugene Jr (Diane), Richard (Shelley), and Jeff (Pam); four sisters, Diane Ristau (Mike Andring), Debbie Sing (Steve), Karen Ellis (Chris), and Mary Jo Dehnke (Ken Kottmann), and many nieces and nephews.Gerry was preceded in death by two nephews, Jason Ristau and Aaron Bagniewski.A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 12:00 noon on Saturday, March 26th, at Cathedral of the Sacred Heart, Winona. Father Richard Colletti will officiate. Visitation will be held from 10 am until the time of the service. Gerry will be laid to rest in St. Mary's Cemetery.Pallbearers will be Eugene Bagniewski Jr, Richard Bagniewski, Jeff Bagniewski, Robert Bautch, Ron Gillett, and Gilman Peterson. Honorary pallbearers will be Jacob Davis, Bob Bautch, Frank Peterson, Joe Gillett, Diane Ristau, Debbie Sing, Karen Ellis, and Mary Jo Dehnke.Our loss is Heaven's gain.