Middle River – Jerome Paul Cwikla passed away Dececember 13, 2024. Jerome was born June 20, 1940 on his family farm in Thief Lake Township, near Middle River to Stanley and Pauline (Janowski) Cwikla. He attended 4 years of school in Shady Nook Country School near his home and later attended school in Middle River where he graduated from in 1958, and then moved to the twin cities where he attended school at the Dunwoody Industrial Institute for Tool and Die. Jerry entered the Army in 1963, serving in Germany where he was stationed at the Berlin Wall at the height of the cold war. He was awarded several achievement awards for outstanding soldering and served in military intelligence and the fire direction center of the 2nd Battalion, 28th Artillery division. He was honorably discharged in 1965 and on February 19, 1966, was united in marriage to MaryAnn Demorett in Eden Valley. The two made their home in Bloomington before moving back to his family farm in 1972 where they farmed and raised their 3 children, Brian, Daniel and Duane.
Jerry served on the Middle River School Board for 4 terms and also as a council member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Middle River, where he served as President for a number of years. He also served for 20 years on the Farmers Co-Op Elevator board in both Thief River Falls and Middle River and served on multiple other committees and advisory boards. Jerry loved the outdoors, especially hunting and fishing and had the distinction of guiding dignitaries, including Governors, for fishing and deer hunting. He loved to spend as much time as he could at the hunting cabin, known as the “Hilton”. He was a member of the Middle River American Legion Post #444, snowmobile club, the Middle River Community Club and St. Joseph’s Men’s Club. Jerry was extremely proud of his family and enjoyed much success in his life with his motto “It’s not to get to the top, but rather not to stay on the bottom”.
He is survived by his loving wife, MaryAnn of 58 years: his children, Brian Cwikla of Rochester, Daniel (Gwen) Cwikla of Grand Forks, ND, and Duane Cwikla of Fargo, ND. He is also survived by his Grandchildren, Brittany (Ben) Eucker, Allison (Sam) Velerius, Evan Cwikla, Matthew Cwikla, Noah Cwikla, Zoe Cwikla, Izabella Cwikla and Great Grandchild Eli Eucker; his siblings, Anne Morrissey of Gatzke, David (Myrna) Cwikla of Bemidji, Judy Gordar of Walnut Grove, CA and Richard (Sue) Cwikla of West Fargo, ND; along with many nieces, nephews and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Stan Cwikla and Phillip Cwikla; and his niece, Terri Morrissey Sorenson.
Mass of Christian Burial was held at 2:00PM, Saturday, December 21, 2024 at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Middle River.
Visitation was held after 5PM, Friday, at the Church with a prayer service at 7PM.
Interment services wereheld at St. Joseph’s Catholic Cemetery following services.
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