Gerald H. "Jerry" Zelazny

I just learned of Jerry's passing this past weekend from one of the members of the Highliners, and I wanted to add my condolences to his family.
I spent a lot of weekends dancing at the Park Ballroom in New Prague, the Riverside in Carver, & the Lakeside in Waconia, with family & friends. We met him when he played with the Jolly Brothers & saw him last with Bandit. Jerry & Tommy Mrozinski always stopped by our table to trade jokes with us and just chat about their families & work. ...

I know this entry is quite late and for that I am truly sorry. I just found out from Dean T. from the Highliners Polka Band that Jerry had passed away. My deepest sympathies to his family.
I will never forget what fun and friendly guy he was. I started going to the Jolly Brothers when I was 10 years old with my 3 older sisters and followed him to the Mrozinski Brothers until Tommy passed away. I also learned of Bill Czerniak's passing this weekend as well. Boy, God must really like...

I remember Jerry as being the most kind-hearted person ive met! he was always such a happy guy! i think he got along with everyone he talked to! when i was little i usta say he was my boyfriend, he was the nicest person! the type of guy you could talk to about anything. i dont remember a whole lot about him because i was little when i first met him and im only 13 now! all i know is that i'am definatly going to miss him he was basicly part of our family even though we didnt see him to often...

Bonnie&family,I was in the St.Lawrence band with Jerry and Bill Lucking. my sisters Victoria,Susanne and my little brother Francisco all marched in the band and what great fun we all had back then. I remember his great smile.and is musical talent.

One very special "moment" I had with Uncle Jerry was when he was about to walk me down the isle at my wedding. I started to take off and he grabbed my arm tight and told me this would be the slowest walk I'd ever take. He said he wanted everyone to get a good look at us because we looked so good! I was so honored to have him next to me that day.

My family and I will miss him and his loving ways. Always a child at heart!

Our thoughts are especially with Bonni for...

Because I never said good bye to Jerry Z. I feel somewhat at a loss as what to say. I remember the family and growing up with fond memories of all of them at Sturgeon Lake, and all the dances that we went to with Eleanor & Leo. The farm and lake, along with his german shephard with big ears - Tex. I remember how neat it was to go riding in that big old cadillac down Hwy 65 and seeing all the lights of the big city Mpls. Jerry showing us all the new sights and always smiling and eyes...

My mind is filled with so many good memories - growing up on Third Avenue - the music in the house when we were growing up. Jerry being the godfather to my oldest child, being in my wedding to Bob. The dances, the holiday celebrations. This was a very special time and we still miss those times.
If it wasn't for Jerry I would never have met my husband, Bob.

I also have many memories of playing with the Jolly Brothers and taking a lot of road trips. We had a lot of good...

Since Gerry has left us I keep thinking about when I baby sat him at our house in Milwaukee, when he was just a few months old and I was just twelve.Then I remember when he started the accordian which I think was around 10, plus or minus.We could just see his head above his moms accordian. I had an old disk recorder, then, and I believe I still have recordings with Gerry playing and singing. I will cherish them forever. Every trip to Mpls was a spine tingling experience to get one of his...

Bonnie and the Family:

Wonderful tributes to Jerry which just hit the mark! The best point is that we all get to keep a part of everyone we meet in this world, and I'm most grateful for Jerry's presence in the world. When he danced with Bonnie, his light shone even more and certainly brightened up the room. He put his whole heart and soul into dancing as well as playing his accordion. Long live his music.

Pat and Bill