Gerald L Modjeska
June 07, 1939 - August 28, 2021
Obituary
MADISON - Gerald Leonard Modjeska, age 82, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, August 28, 2021, at St. Mary's Hospital. He was born on June 7, 1939, in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Francis and Leona (Erdmanczyk) Modjeska.
Jerry graduated from Don Bosco High School in Milwaukee. He served in the U.S. Navy and received the Award of Valor on March 4, 1985, for saving a man’s life. Jerry was united in marriage to Judith Jensen on August 31, 1968. They were just three days shy of celebrating their 53rd wedding anniversary.
Jerry worked as a Compliance Program Manager for Department of Labor-OSHA, retiring in 2011. He was a devoted husband and father and loved his family. Jerry was an avid reader who enjoyed golfing, fishing, watching the Packers, Brewers and Badgers, playing cards and going on adventures with Judy. He was known for his sense of humor and was always ready with a joke or two. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family at various events, including his grandchildren’s sporting and school events.
Jerry is survived by his wife, Judy; his children, Kerry (Tom) Riese, Jeff (Teri Anderson) Modjeska, Jennifer (Joe) Korb, Suzanne (Curtis) Seffrood, Melissa (Todd) Rudolph, Christian (Sara) Modjeska, and Kate (Brian) Hillson; grandchildren, Stephanie Schmuhl, Jeremy Schmuhl, Stacy Schmuhl, Samantha Schmuhl, Joshua Modjeska, Briana Modjeska, Margaret Korb, Sophia Korb, Chase Korb, Sawyer Korb, Dylan Seffrood, Cheyenne Seffrood, Ethan Rudolph, Hailey Modjeska, Caleb Hillson, and Eli Hillson; great-grandchildren, Hunter, Tyler, Mason, Jeremy, Madelynn, Raelynn, Waylon, Damien, Selestina, Tiana and Makai; brother, Ralph Modjeska; and sister, Cathy (Joe) Munns. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Don (Cherry) Modjeska; and sister-in-law, Nannette Modjeska.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Thursday, September 9, 2021, at the VFW POST 7591, 301 Cottage Grove Road, Madison, from 2 p.m. until 5 p.m. with words of remembrance at 4 p.m. and military honors to follow. For guest safety, face masks are required. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com .
“What did Washington say to his men before crossing the Delaware?”
“Get in the boat men.” ~ Jerry Modjeska
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
Events
Visitation
Thu Sep 9, 2021 @ 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM CDT
VFW Post 7591 • 301 Cottage Grove Rd., Madison, WI 53716
Military Honors
Thu Sep 9, 2021 @ 4:00 PM CDT
VFW Post 7591 • 301 Cottage Grove Rd., Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Gerald have been shared yet.
Memories
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Kate Modjeska Hillson
Other •
Dad, I love you so much. I am honored to be your daughter. You are the best father, husband, grandpa and father-in-law. Thank-you for all you taught me, for your sense of humor and intelligence (I will always remember your giggle when you wanted to share something you thought was amusing), for finding a solution to whatever problem we had, for accepting Brian into your life (Hey Brian, what do you know? Not a damn thing Jerry), for helping us whenever we needed, for making the best breakfasts and ham, for all the meals you and mom lovingly prepared, for making all our holidays extra special, for all the lights you and mom put up at the holidays, for being the best euchre/card player (count on your partner for 3, right?), for picking up the boys from school and spending time with them, for taking me to the gym with you, for all your support, and for loving and caring for us so devotedly-especially mom. I could write on and on about all the reasons you are the best. You helped to fill my heart and having these memories will help sustain it. ❤️ I love you forever, Kate
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Wilkins King
Other •
A shadow is cast between light and darkness, as twilight hides the sun. To all the family, friends and loved ones, please accept our humblest consolations, to help chase the clouds away. Wilkins and Ayumi King
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Tribute Store
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Your friends at EUA - Eppstein Uhen Architects
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Melissa Rudolph
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Dad - you have meant more to me than you will ever know. You inspire me everyday and taught me a great work ethic. You were a silent rock but yet your voice was heard. You loved Mom with all your heart and were most proud of your kids and grandchildren. I am proud to be your daughter and you will forever be in my heart. Love you!
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Contreras family
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Our heartfelt condolences to you and your family. The ones we love are never gone, they live within our hearts. Rest in peace Mr. Modjeska.
MC
Markesha Carter
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My prayers and condolences to Mr. Modjeska family. I'm sorry for reaching out so late, I just found out about his passing. I worked with Jerry at OSHA from 2003 until he retired. I'm smiling now thinking of all the good memories. He was a sweet man and truly missed in our office.