Gerald "Jerry" L. Bambenek

Gerald (Jerry) L. Bambenek, of Winona, MN passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on October 23, 2023, at the age of 89.

Jerry was born on May 26, 1934, in Winona to Anthony and Rose (Wojciechowski) Bambenek. He grew up with his 6 sisters and 5 brothers with many hours spent along the shores of The West Lake. 

After graduating Jerry enlisted and served as a Navy Corpsman with the first and third Marine Division FMF Pacific Fleet from 1953-1956 during the Korean War. 

After discharge he met Bonnie Ciszak and they were married on July 13 1957. 

Jerry worked for the US Postal Service for 30 years before enjoying a long retirement. He loved the outdoors and spent most of his life hunting, trapping and fishing on the Mississippi. 

He was an avid gardener, and his family and friends were always grateful recipients of his harvest. 

Jerry was a lifelong member of the VFW and a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Rollingstone, MN. 

Jerry is survived by his dear friend Sue Evers, son Mark, daughters Sandy Fakler and Ellen (Jim) Brand, 5 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his wife Bonnie, daughter Lynne, his parents, 6 sisters and 5 brothers. 

A celebration of Jerry’s life will be held on Friday, October 27, 2023, at 11:00 am at the Hoff Funeral home in Winona, with visitation beginning at 10:00 am. There will be a private burial held at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Catholic Charities or another local charity of choice. 

“Say not in grief ‘he is no more’ but in Thankfulness that he was”.