Geraldine "Gerry" A. Modjeski

Geraldine A. “Gerry” Modjeski, age 82, of Winona, peacefully passed away on Tuesday, May 19, 2026.

Born on January 4, 1944, in Winona to Ben and Marge (Karsten) Paskiewicz, Gerry was a graduate of Cotter High School. On April 23, 1966, she married Lawrence Modjeski at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church in Winona; he preceded her in death on October 7, 1999.

Gerry devoted many years to her work as a telephone operator for Northwestern Bell, where she earned the distinction of “Miss Trimline.” When Northwestern Bell became US West, Gerry moved to Rochester where she worked for many years until her retirement. She was a member of the Telephone Pioneers of America and the Basilica of St. Stanislaus Kostka.

A lover of reading, cooking, and visits to the casino, Gerry’s greatest joy came from her family. She treasured family vacations to the North Shore and cherished the special moments spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Gerry was known as Nannie to those who knew and loved her. She wore the title of grandma with grace and love. She was our comfort, our cheerleader, our sender of cards in the mail, and our chili maker. Holidays will never be the same without her deviled eggs! Holidays will never be the same without our Nannie. She made us all feel loved in so many ways. She will be forever our sweetest memories!

She is lovingly survived by her children, Stephen (Ellen) Modjeski and Molly Modjeski; grandchildren, Megan (Andrew) Foegen and Alexandra Modjeski; great-grandchildren, Maggie and Aspen Foegen; her brother, Greg Paskiewicz; nephew, Cory Halbakken; and many other relatives and friends. Gerry was preceded in death by her husband, her parents, and her sister, Deborah Halbakken.

Visitation will be held at the Watkowski-Mulyck Funeral Home on Friday, June 19, 2026, from 11 AM until the funeral service at noon. Fr. Richard Dernek will officiate. Following the service, a luncheon and reception will be held at the funeral home. Gerry will be laid to rest at St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorials be directed to the Boys and Girls Club of La Crosse.

Online condolences and memories may be shared with Gerry’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.