Gerald "Jerry" Matejka

Gerald James Matejka, age 85, of Winona, passed away on June 7, 2020.

He was born May 9, 1935, to Frank and Frances (Kulas) Matejka of Winona. Jerry married the love of his life, Carole Boland, on September 7, 1957, and they were married for 63 years.

Jerry was a lifelong resident of Winona. He started working a paper route at a young age of seven and collected nails in his coaster wagon in the alleys of East Winona. He worked every day up until the day he passed.

Jerry was a demolition expert early on and loved to tear down old buildings in the surrounding area, many of the locations would be remembered by the elders of Winona. Jerry started Matejka Recycling 45 years ago, and he had a remarkable work ethic.  Retirement was never a consideration for Jerry - he loved what he did and worked hard every day until the end.

Jerry loved to go on hunting trips with his son Jeff; fishing at his cabin in Buffalo City; an occasional trip to the casino with his wife Carole; sharing a coffee and Bloedow’s sugar donut with his daughter Jennifer every morning at work; and traveling with his family.  He also enjoyed listening to country music and dancing.

Jerry took much pride in his hometown of Winona, and some may say he was a Winona historian - he loved to share stories of his past and the history of Winona.

Jerry will always be lovingly remembered for his generosity and kindness. Family was very important to him, and he loved spending time with his children and grandchildren. He was a kind, handsome, and selfless man.

Jerry is survived by his wife Carole; daughter: Jennifer (John) Staats of Winona; son: Jeffrey (Heather) Matejka of Winona; grandchildren: Abigail (Tony) Rickoff of Phoenix Arizona; Olivia Staats of Minneapolis; and step-grandchildren: Nicholas and Madysen Wagner of Winona; brother: Michael (Mariann) Matejka of Winona; as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; twin brothers: Donald and Frank; brother: Robert; sister: Carol; and many nieces and nephews.

It was Jerry’s request that a small private service with his family celebration of life will be held in the near future.  Watkowski – Mulyck has done a wonderful job assisting the family with arrangements.

Jerry will be laid to rest at Saint Mary’s Cemetery in Winona.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be directed to Saint Mary’s Cemetery.

Online condolences or memories may be left for Jerry’s family at www.watkowski-mulyck.com.