Gerald Dzwonkowski obituary

Mr. Gerald (Jerry) T. Dzwonkowski, 90, passed away on Tuesday, July, 22, 2025, surrounded by his family.         
Jerry was born on August 12, 1934, in Winona Minn. to Mary and August Dzwonkowski. He met the love of his life, Carol J. Peterson, while ice skating after school. They were married on December 17, 1955, at St. Martin’s Church in Winona, Minn., and shared a joyful, faith-filled life together. Jerry’s life was marked by service, strength, and deep commitment to his faith and loved ones.  He started working for Gillett & Eaton, (later Gould and Federal-Mogul) in 1959. He served for many years as president, secretary and treasurer of the local Boilermakers Union, Lodge 650, passionately advocating for workers’ rights and fair treatment, thus resulting in the workers first pension. He made many trips to Washington DC, to meet with representatives from both sides of the aisle to promote union interests and workers’ rights and protections. He also served as a board member of their credit union.  He proudly served as president of the Polish Museum in Winona, Minn., where he worked to preserve and honor the community’s rich cultural heritage. A man of deep faith and compassion, he was a member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. He served as a church elder and usher.  He was a devoted leader of the Lutheran Boy Pioneers. Jerry’s love for baseball began in childhood and carried through his entire life. He played as an adult for many years, proudly taking the pitcher’s mound with the same passion and spirit that he brought to all aspects of life. He had a lifelong love of sports, like golf, and was a dedicated fan of the Minnesota Vikings, Twins, and Timberwolves. Jerry passed on his love of sports and the outdoors to his children, taking them on countless camping, fishing and hunting trips.  No one could tend a campfire quite like him. Some of his most cherished memories were made salmon fishing with his family on Lake Michigan and hunting with his son, daughter and grandchildren. In later years, Jerry found joy in the simple pleasures of life.  He especially loved riding his wheelchair scooter along the beautiful river walk in Lake City, often making his way up to Hok-Si-La Park to enjoy the fresh air and peaceful views.
Jerry is  survived by his loving children: Sandy (John) Heisler, Lime Springs, Iowa, Scott (Theresa) Dzwonkowski, Mankato, Minn., Dawn Dzwonkowski, Rochester, Minn., Shelly (Stewart) Christopherson, Rochester, Minn., Myra Dzwonkowski, Lake City, Minn., and Vicky Paulson, Lake City, Minn.. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Heather (Cory) DeYoung, Tom (Desi) Heisler, Jake (Jamie) Heisler, Holly (Paul) Gronholz, Julie (Dan) Paulson, Travis (Michelle) Dzwonkowski, Darren Christopherson, Dustin (Alyssa Lipp) Christopherson, Ryan (Megan) Christopherson, Alex (Ruth) Paulson and Kyle Paulson and sixteen great grandchildren. He is further survived by his dear siblings Irene Pozanc, Nita Serwa, and Daniel Dzwonkowski, all of Winona Minn.; as well as many cherished nieces and nephews who he held a special place in his heart.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Carol; daughter Gena; his great-grandson Jayden Heisler; his parents August and Mary Dzwonkowski; in-laws Carl and Della Peterson; brothers and sisters, Lambert (Marge) Dzwonkowski Bell; Ed (Helen) Dzwonkowski Bell; Roy (Jeanette) Dzwonkowski Bell, Lorretta (Ben) Westland; Marion (Earl) Fort; Helen (Stan) Foster; Harold Dzwonkowski, August Jr. Dzwonkowski, Gerald Serwa, Chester Malewicki, Sarah Dzwonkowski and John Pozanc.
Jerry’s legacy is one of warmth, leadership, joy and quiet strength. His presence will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew and loved him.
Funeral service will be held on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 11 a.m., at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Lake City. Visitation will be held one hour before the service at the church. Burial will be at St. John’s Lutheran Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.mahnfamilyfuneralhome.com.