Gerald (Jerry) Norbert Machacek

GERALD NORBERT MACHACEK

Gerald (Jerry) Norbert Machacek, 83, passed away peacefully on Thursday morning September 6, 2018, at Prairie Meadows Assisted living in Kasson.

Jerry was born January 16, 1935, in Veseli, MN to James and Julia (Adamek) Machacek. He grew up on the family farm in Veseli and graduated from New Prague High School in 1953. He served in the US Army and was a tuba player in the Military Band. He was honorably discharged in 1955. On June 12, 1956, he married Elizabeth (Betty) Blaschko at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Le Center, MN. They were married for 62 years and raised 5 daughters.

After his Military Service he attended Mankato State College and he started his career as an Industrial Engineer at McQuay Industrial. In 1966, he moved his family to Dodge Center and began his career at IBM, retiring in 1994, he also farmed.

His lifelong passion was music and dancing with his bride. They belonged to a polka dance club and spent many years traveling and dancing at polka fests.   Another passion they enjoyed was traveling. They circled the globe enjoying the sites and meeting new friends.

Jerry was active in St John Baptist de la Salle Catholic Church serving many years on the church council and was a member of the Knights of Columbus. He also was a member of American Legion Post 333 in Kasson.

He is survived by his wife, Betty, daughters; Michelle (Rich) Massey of Mantorville, Lora Wutschke of Kasson, Theresa Richardson of Denver, PA, Linda (Dan) Head of Mantorville, and Charlene (Tom) Myer of Blooming Prairie; one sister, Julie Ann (Gilbert) Novotny; one sister-in-law, Dorothy Machacek; 13 grandchildren, Sarah (Rob) Massey, Dean (Andrew) Massey, Gregg Massey, Matthew Wutschke, Steven Wutschke, Michael Wutschke, Ashley Weaver, Anthony Richardson, Emily Head, Katelyn Head, Dalton Head, McKayla Myer, Weston Myer and 6 great grandchildren. Jerry was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, one sister and one sister-in-law.

Visitation will be from 4:00~7:00 p.m. Monday, September 10, 2018, at Czaplewski Family Funeral Home, 25 South Street SW in Dodge Center and one hour before the service at the church on Tuesday.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Tuesday, September 11, 2018, at 10:30 a.m. at St John Baptist de la Salle Catholic Church, 20 2 ^nd Street NE Dodge Center, with Father Thomas Niehaus celebrating. Interment will be in Riverside Cemetery in Dodge Center with Military Honors by the Kasson American Legion Post 333.

Blessed be his memory.

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