Jerome "Jerry" B. Wiczek

Jerome "Jerry" B. Wiczek, 89 year old resident of Little Falls, MN, passed away Wednesday, August 20, 2025, at his home. A memorial service will be held on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 11:00 AM, at First United Church in Little Falls, with Pastor Tony Romaine officiating. Visitation will be on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, at First United Church from 4:00-8:00 PM, and again on Wednesday from 9:30-11:00 AM. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery in Little Falls. Caring for Jerry and his family is the LeMieur Funeral Home in Little Falls. Jerome “Jerry” Benedict Wiczek lived a life as big as the Montana sky he loved. Born in 1936 in Pike Creek Township, he grew up working hard, laughing often, and carrying a twinkle in his eye that never faded. He embraced his Polish heritage with pride, cherishing the large family he grew up in and the one he built of his own. Jerry was a dedicated businessman, proudly owning and operating Wiczek’s Carpet and Furniture for 47 years. His son Joe took over the business in 2001, but Jerry continued to work alongside him right up until the day he passed. Jerry always made sure there was a chair at the table for anyone, and his presence, work ethic, and one-of-a-kind way of connecting with people left a lasting mark on family, friends, coworkers, and a network of people across the country who knew him through his work and reputation. Though his formal schooling ended after eighth grade, Jerry never stopped learning. In his 60s, he completed auctioneering school, and in his 70s, he earned his GED—adding yet another skill to a life defined by tenacity. That was Jerry: unstoppable once he set his mind to something. Whether it was running a business, helping family, or tackling any challenge, Jerry approached life with relentless determination and a hands-on grit that inspired everyone around him. He wore many hats over his lifetime—hunter, fisherman, outdoorsman, and the unofficial “Sausage King of the Midwest.” A holiday or gathering wasn’t complete without Grandpa’s Polish sausage on the table. Known for his skill in crafting sausage, Jerry turned a family tradition into an art form, delighting friends and relatives alike with each carefully made batch. Jerry was deeply community-minded, proudly serving in organizations such as the Masons, Lions, Jaycees, and Moose Lodge. Early in life, he took joy in horseback riding with his family and friends, participating in the Sunset Riders. Life with Jerry was never ordinary. Every outing could turn into an adventure, every conversation a lesson. He believed in firm handshakes, shared his wisdom often, and ended the day with a simple, strong scotch—straightforward, honest, and unmistakably Jerry. Jerry loved fiercely. He showed up for people, whether that meant lending a hand, sharing a story, or passing along one of his many lessons. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Sylvia, who passed away in 2022; his son Mike in 2012; and his siblings Eugene, Tom, Pete, Jack, Billy, and Mary. He is survived by his children, Steve (Donna) Wiczek of Nisswa, MN, Chuck Wiczek of Cushing, MN, Debbie Rosas of Anaheim, CA, Julie (John) Witucki of Little Falls, MN, Joe Wiczek (Michelle Parker) of Little Falls, MN, Jim (Mary) Wiczek of Little Falls, MN, Jenny (Benji) Wiczek-Bertsch of Stillwater, MN, and Ben Wiczek (Carey Hilderbrand) of Park City, UT. Jerry and Sylvia were blessed with 24 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren, all of whom brought him immense pride and joy. He is also survived by his dear friend, Gen Zimmerman; his sister-in-law, Ardy Coenen; and his brother-in-law, Gerhard Boser. He will be dearly missed by many nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. His lessons, his stories, and his unwavering love will carry on for generations. In his honor, Jerry’s family invites you to do what he would have wanted most: raise a glass, share a story, and “live life up in the bridle.”

Tributes

Jerome "Jerry" B. Wiczek

March 21, 1936 - August 20, 2025