Gerald "Jerry" H. Kujak

Gerald H. “Jerry” Kujak, age 71, of Winona, passed away on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, at Sauer Health Care.

He was born on October 30, 1952, in Winona, to Hubert and Irene (Budnick) Kujak, and was a student of Winona Senior High School and Cotter High School. Jerry lived a life rich with love, laughter, and cherished memories. He was a gentle and caring soul with infinite wisdom, who was always ready with a kind smile. His warmth and fiery spirit were felt by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him. 

Jerry was united in marriage with Barbara Brenno on May 28, 1986, at St. Stan's Church, and they shared 38 wonderful years together.

Jerry lived a life full of adventure and passion. As an extremely proud truck owner he spent countless hours crisscrossing the country, but always eager to return home to his family, friends, and trusty pets who meant the world to him. Behind the wheel he found peace and purpose, but it was his family that gave his life its deepest meaning. 

As a younger man, you could always find Jerry driving truck for Kujak Trucking or down at the “shop” working on trucks for his trucking business EJT, alongside his cousin Emil Kujak and little brother Tommy Kujak. The three were inseparable and created a business that would surround them with family and a bond closer than the nuts and bolts that held their trucks together. Aside from all things truck, Jerry found great enjoyment pranking his loved ones, tinkering in garages looking for “treasure”, riding motorcycles and snowmobiles, car club with the boys, spoiling his granddaughter Alexis, enjoying a thanksgiving dinner that he requested every birthday with his family, and last but not least being the undisputed king of desserts while kicking back in his favorite Lazy Boy chair. 

For all who have known Jerry you knew he was a man of many talents. His greatest being how to light up a room with laughter and smiles for all who sat and enjoyed his company. We’ll miss his stories and his ability to make any situation funnier. Along with his infectious laugh and loud singing, his kindness and steady presence will be missed more than words could ever express. 

Jerry is lovingly survived by his wife, Barbara Kujak, two daughters Michelle and Christina Campos, and granddaughter Alexis Campos. Each of whom will miss his larger than life personality, goofy phone greetings, spunky spirit, and most of all the way he had shown us all of his love in his unique way.

Jerry will be remembered for a lot of great accomplishments and even more so remembered for being a loving husband and father, an amazing grandfather, and a dear friend to many. There was only one Jerry Kujak and he will be missed greatly by all that were lucky enough to walk this earth with him. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, and his brother, Tom.

Visitation will be held from 11 AM until the wake service at 12:30 PM on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home, 376 E. Sarnia St., Winona. Deacon Bill Keiper will officiate. Following the service, a luncheon and reception will be held at the Winona Elks Club where we will share memories and laughs in honor of his beautiful spirit.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Jerry’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.