Gerald 'Jerry' Michael Bartkowiak

Gerald 'Jerry' Michael Bartkowiak passed away from a long illness at Autumnwood Nursing Facility, in Rittman, Ohio on Wednesday, November 27, 2024. Jerry, an extraordinary man, born of tranquility, love, decisiveness, and peace, was born February 21, 1935, in Dunkirk, New York, to Edwin and Emily (Katta) Bartkowiak. After graduating from Dunkirk high school, Dunkirk, New York, Jerry joined the U.S. Army and served from 1958-1962. He graduated from DeVry Technical Institute, Chicago, Illinois, with a degree in electronic technology. He later lived in Penfield, New York and was a volunteer fireman from July 1965-December 1971 in the Penfield Fire Company. Jerry and his first wife were active members in. St. Joseph's Catholic Church including being in the choir. Jerry worked for IBM for 25 years as a Systems Engineer in Jamestown, New York. After retiring in 1990, Karen and Jerry moved to Ohio and started to enjoy life making many wonderful memories with a small farm of Pygmy goats and sheep. They had quite a few barn cats, which are Jerry's favorite animal. He was active as a HAM radio operator for 40 years. He served on the Parish Council and sang in the choir in Jamestown, New York and Seville, Ohio. He was Eucharistic minister, usher, and greeter at Holy Martyrs Catholic Church, Medina, Ohio. He also worked on many Cursio and prison ministry weekends. They traveled for several years to Florida in their motor home every winter and stayed in Sarasota Sun-N-Fun. Jerry enjoyed singing in the choir in Siesta Key, Florida during their time when they stayed there. Jerry enjoyed building with his hands, making stained glass and he built two of the grandchildren's cradles. He loved gardening. Some of his hobbies were trains and old radios. He enjoyed anything to do with them, his father had worked on the railroad near Buffalo, New York. He is preceded in death by his parents, Edwin Bartkowiak and Emily K. Bartkowiak; his first wife, Elizabeth 'Betty' C. Bartkowiak, died 1984; his brother, Charles Bartkowiak, died 2000; his daughter, Mary Elizabeth Bartkowiak-Stebbins, died 2021. Survivors include his loving wife, Karen; sons, Alan Bartkowiak (Barbara), and David Bartkowiak (Christine); stepchildren, William Yergin, Candi Lomas, Tammi Duplaga; sister, Loretta 'Lorrie' Wilson (Paul); grandchildren; step-grandchildren; nephew; niece; great-nephews and great-nieces. Family will receive friends Tuesday, December 3, 2024, from 4 to 7 p.m. in Waite Funeral Home in Medina. Mass will be held Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at 10 a.m. in Holy Martyrs Catholic Church, 3100 Old Weymouth Rd., Medina, Ohio. A burial will follow in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery. Please make donations to Kitten Krazy, Medina, OH; Bella Care of Hospice, 5000 Rockside Rd., Suite 150, Independence, OH; Grace Hospice, Akron, OH; or St. Joseph in Penfield, NY.