Gerald “Jerry” Krajewski of Elmhurst, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by family, on Feb. 21, 2023, after a brief but courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. He was 73.
Jerry is survived and missed by his wife, Helen; his children, Caroline, Katherine (Ben) Zulauf, and Rosemary. Forever cherished by his grandchildren, John and Evelyn. Remembered fondly by his brother, Jeffrey (Gail) Kraig, and his nieces, nephews and their families.
Jerry was predeceased by his father, Theodore Krajewski; his mother, Elaine Krajewski; his father-in-law, John Gellinger; his mother-in-law, Rosemary Gellinger; his brother-in-law, John Gellinger; his aunt Geraldine Krupa; his uncle, Joseph Krage; and his niece, Maureen DeGeorge.
He was born in Chicago in 1949. Two years later, brother Jeffrey joined the family and he and Jerry became lifelong friends.
Graduating from Prosser Career Academy in Chicago in 1967, Jerry exceled in his studies and extra-curriculars, becoming an All-City defensive lineman for the Prosser Falcons football team, thus beginning a lifelong love of the sport.
After graduating from Northeastern University with a bachelor’s degree in Special Education in 1971, he began a 38-year career as an educator and administrator, spending the majority of that time as a physical education teacher for children with special needs and disabilities. He accompanied his students to the Special Olympics each year, helping them realize their athletic potential, build self-confidence, and have a lot of fun along the way. He later earned two additional master’s degrees in education and administration. He adored his work and exhibited incredible love and patience with his students.
In 1972, he met the love of his life, Helen, at their summer job at the M&M Mars candy factory on Oak Park Avenue in Chicago. They married in 1974 and shared nearly 49 years of wedded bliss. Together they had three children, Caroline, Katherine, and Rosemary; son-in-law Ben; and later welcomed two grandchildren, John and Evelyn. Their lives were built on a foundation of togetherness, filled with vacations, parties, music, food, laughter and more love than one could ever imagine.
Jerry remained a sports enthusiast his entire life. As a devoted Chicago Bears fan and 52-year season ticket holder, he witnessed some of the greatest games in Bears history, including with along with his brother, Jeff, watching the infamous 1985 Bears win the Super Bowl in New Orleans. Many of our fondest memories with family and friends were spent together at Soldier Field. When he wasn’t cheering on the Bears, Blackhawks, Cubs or Illini, he was an enthusiastic supporter and genuine admirer of prestigious sporting events like The Masters, The World Cup, The Olympics and The Kentucky Derby. And, his NCAA March Madness pool was legendary.
So many words come to mind when describing Jerry – kind, loving, generous, funny, faith-filled, responsible and loyal. He famously drank bad whiskey and was a superb joke-teller. Anyone who spent time with Jerry can probably recall at least one of his famous jokes, as he cracked himself up with that infectious laugh well before he ever got to the punchline. He was a family man who worked two jobs most of his life to support his family and ensure his children’s Catholic schooling and upbringing. As he aged, he embraced technology but still held onto a few old-school favorites, like going to the post office and cutting articles out of the newspaper. His friendship and generosity were treasured by many. Later in retirement, welcoming his two grandchildren into his tight-knit family was one of the greatest joys of his life, and the adoration was mutual.
Jerry was a friend to everybody and relished a full life surrounded by an exceptional family and large group of wonderful friends – too many to name but overflowing with kindness, merriment and warmth. He lived a life of meaningful acts of love and service, like Christ modeled for us, and we will keep his memory alive by loving unconditionally and showing kindness to all.
There wasn’t much in this world that couldn’t be cured by sharing a cigar, a conversation and a laugh with Jer on the deck, and we eagerly await the day we’ll all be reunited. Until then, Jerry, you are forever loved and profoundly missed.
Funeral services were held on Saturday, Feb. 25 at Visitation Catholic Church, Elmhurst. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Special Olympics. Arrangements in care of Elmhurst Community Funeral Home – The Ahlgrim Chapel. For info, www.ElmhurstFH.com or (630) 834-3515.
