Gerald Leo “Jerry” Kurkowski, 83
Gerald Leo “Jerry” Kurkowski, age 83, of New Prague, Minnesota, died Thursday, August 1, 2024, at his daughter's home in Shakopee, Minnesota.
Born in Grenville, South Dakota, January 5, 1941; the son of Irene (Wojcik) and Joseph Kurkowski.
Most people would know him as “Jerry”. He was employed as a carpenter and worked for the Teamsters. Some of the buildings he helped build: IDS Tower, hospitals, and many of the buildings that went up in downtown Minneapolis in the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s. One of his favorite places to eat with his wife Sue was David Fong’s in Bloomington. He enjoyed the outdoors; fishing, hunting, trap shooting, staining his deck, grilling in the backyard, and riding around on his motorcycle and convertible. Some of his favorite pastimes was finding a good collectable, whether it was going to an auction, finding a great antique or a rare coin. He passed down his love of pink depression glass to all three of his daughters, you will find some sort of pink glass with all his kids. Julie and Jerry would spend time at Hanson’s Ranch riding horses and going to the Renaissance Festival. Jeannie and Jerry would plant flowers and garden in the yard. Jenny often talked about a fishing trip they took to South Dakota. He loved visiting with his grandkids and great-grandkids. He would travel by train to see his brother Ronnie in Montana. He would go to town and visit with friends while enjoying a “Cranberry and water, playing cards and dice.” Jerry and his sister Arlene took a trip to Sun City, AZ, in January 2021. Jerry was able to see Arlene and Dennis’ home there, in addition to staying on a ranch with horses and visiting the Grand Canyon. Jerry would often call in the early hours in the morning, he would call and just chat for hours. You would hang up the phone as you often wouldn’t remember what you all talked about.
He was constantly looking for his next project, especially with his daughters.
He was a trusted spouse, dad, brother, grandfather, and friend.
Jerry is survived by daughters: Julie (Berry) Schuettpelz and Jeannie Wanta; sisters Arlene (Dennis) Sperle and Maxine Kurkowski; stepdaughters Cindy Richter-Haberman and Laura Richter-Bauer; brother Ron (Karen) Kurkowski; sister-in-law Francoise Kurkowski; stepbrother Jimmy Block; grandchildren Jill (Chad) Fiedler, Jason (Kelly) Otto, Cerisa (Nate) McKinney, Jessica (Eric) Carbajal, Justin (Julie) Otto, Janelle (Jake) Seely, Jacqueline (Nick) Sigrist, Mitchell Kelly, Megan (Brad) Kelly, Sarah Domka, and Jamie Domka; as well as 15 great-grandchildren; several nieces and nephews. Family friend and caregiver: David Hudson
He was preceded in death by wife, Susan Kurkowski; parents Irene and Joseph Kurkowski; stepfather Walter Block; daughter Jenny Kelly; grandson Jonathan Vieburg; brothers Dennis and Joseph Kurkowski; sister Caroline Richter; and stepsister Sandy Tauer.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 8, from 4 - 8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service; a Funeral Service will be Friday, August 9, at 11 a.m., all at McNearney-Schmidt Funeral and Cremation, 1220 3rd Ave E – Shakopee, MN. A reception will follow the service at the Savage American Legion, and burial will be at a later date in St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Grenville, South Dakota.
Honorary Pallbearers: Jill Fiedler, Justin Otto, Janelle Seely, Jacqueline Sigrist, Mitchell Kelly, and Megan Kelly.
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