Jerome Michael Jaszewski

Although he was taken from his loved ones too soon, Jerome "Jerry" Jaszewski made a significant impact in the lives of everyone he met. He was a man of honor, integrity, and unwavering faith whose family was his greatest treasure. Even when facing the reality of his journey's end, Jerry never lost his joy for living, and his quick wit remained intact as well. A longtime resident of the Winona community, he was involved in several different groups and organizations that introduced him to some of his best friends. Jerry will be deeply missed, but his family and friends find comfort in knowing that he is enjoying complete health and perfect peace in his eternal home.During the first half of the 1940s our nation's history was very much defined by our involvement in WWII. Not only were countless young servicemen and women sent overseas, but those who remained stateside planted victory gardens and became accustomed to rationing on common goods. With the end of the war in 1945, America was eager to get back to being a nation at peace once again. It was just as things were moving forward that a young couple from Winona, Minnesota, was delighted with the birth of their healthy baby boy on November 5, 1947.Welcomed into the world by his parents, Raymond and Gertrude (Einhorn) Jaszewski, Jerome Michael was a typical young boy of his generation. He was a Boy Scout and an altar server at St. Stan's Church. Jerome, or Jerry as he was usually known, also helped his father at the Laska Farm and attended local schools.After graduating from Cotter High School, Jerry was ready to embark on the next phase in his life's journey. As a young man he served in the United States Navy aboard the USS Noxubee during the Vietnam War. In recognition of his service that spanned from 1967 through 1969, Jerry received the Vietnam Service Medal with three bronze stars, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, and National Defense Service Medal. In addition, he met his close friend, Jerry "Jinx" Jenkins, while in the Navy.Life was forever changed for Jerry when he met and later married Paula Monahan. Although their marriage later ended in divorce, he was eternally grateful for their, daughter, Traci. One of Jerry's greatest joys in life was walking his daughter down the aisle on her wedding day. Later on, he married Joyce Betz. Their marriage later dissolved.Throughout his life Jerry was a hard worker. He made a career as a brick layer and was also a member of the local bricklayers union. Jerry learned his trade of bricklaying from his father-in-law, Abraham Monahan. Jerry was highly skilled and very proud of his work as he loved pointing out buildings that he worked on as he drove by. After he retired, sitting at home didn't sound at all appealing so he decided to take a job at the Eagle's Club in Winona. Over the years he worked as a bartender, assistant bar manager, and assistant gambling manager most recently. Since he was also a member of the Eagle's Club, Jerry established numerous friendships there, and there was always plenty of laughter and jokes to go around while he was there. Not a single day would pass without seeing a card game or cribbage game with his friends as well, and when Jerry played he played to win!As his family and friends can attest, Jerry was a bustle of activity. He did a bit of traveling including trips to both Chicago and Rockford, Illinois, to visit his cousins and aunts. As an avid hunter and fisherman, Jerry took some hunting trips out to Colorado and Montana as well as fishing trips with his buddy, Joe Duff. Traveling to the Dominican Republic was another highlight. Golfing on a golf league was his recent passion, however, it could have been said that the "spirits" on the beverage cart were his favorite part! Jerry was so proud of his motorcycle and had it all decked out with saddle bags. Of course it was always freshly spit-shined as well. At times he loved just heading out on the open road on his motorcycle. In addition to being a member of the Eagle's Club, Jerry was also a member of the American Legion, the Left-handers Club, and continued to be a practicing Catholic from the time he was a young boy. When relaxing he enjoyed reading James Patterson books, was an avid fan of the Minnesota Vikings and Minnesota Twins, and he also loved adding to his extensive collections of smoking pipes, guns, knives, golf gear, and hats.The way before him was not always easy for Jerry as he faced some times of trial. His mother had always been the light of his life, and it was very hard on him when each of his parents died. About six weeks ago Jerry was given a tough pill to swallow when he was diagnosed with bile duct cancer and liver damage. After spending several weeks at St. Mary's Hospital and St. Anne's Extended Healthcare, he decided that his greatest desire was to return home to spend as much time as he could with his family. Finally, on Wednesday, November 12, he returned home with some help from hospice, some wonderful friends of Traci's, and some of his dearest friends, Grace and Mary. Jerry found such peace in knowing that his remaining moments were being spent with his daughter and grandchildren at his side.Jerome "Jerry" Jaszewski was a hardworking man who also knew how to play just as hard. He wasn't one to say much, but he always had a witty one-liner to let you know he was listening, and he also enjoyed routine and traditions. Jerry's greatest joy was found in his role as a father, and becoming a grandfather only made that experience all the better. A dear man to many, he will never be forgotten.Jerome "Jerry" Michael Jaszewski, of Winona, died peacefully Saturday, November, 15, 2014. Jerry's family includes his daughter, Traci (Paul) Lisowski; grandchildren, Brandon (Jessie Bechel) Emmons, Aaron Emmons, Joshua Lisowski, Ashley (Ben Repinski) Emmons; step-grandchildren, Christopher (Teresa) Lisowski and Nicole (Chad) Lisowski; 7 step-great-grandchildren; special friend, Mary Tenorio and godmother, Elizabeth "Susie" Jaszewski. Funeral Mass will be held at 10 a.m., Saturday, November 22, 2014, at the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka with the Reverend Monsignor Thomas J. Hargesheimer officiating. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Visitation will be 4 -8 p.m., Friday at Hoff Celebration of Life Center in Goodview and one hour prior to mass on Saturday at the Basilica. Pallbearers will be Brandon Emmons, Aaron Emmons, Rick Thilmany, Ron Jaszewski, Chris Lisowski and Benjamin Repinski. Honorary pallbearers will be Robert Osberg, John Brandes, Francis Bell, Ron Saria, Dave Sebo, Tom Bell, Mike Barnewitz, Joe Duff and Grace Thilmany. Please share a memory of Jerry, sign his online guestbook, and view his video tribute and life story when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/542470