Jerome "Jerry" Cichosz

Jerome “Jerry” Cichosz, 73, a resident of Fergus Falls, died Saturday, December 21, 2013 at Sanford Healthcare in Fargo, ND.

He was born to Harry and Harriet (Gilgosh) Cichosz on November 7, 1940, in Winona, Minnesota. He grew up in Winona, Minnesota and graduated from Winona High School. In November of 1960, he entered the United States Air Force and served during the Cold War era. He was stationed at RAF Lakenheath in England. He was an expert marksman and was honorably discharged in 1964. While in England, he attended Cambridge University to begin his secondary education. He went on to earn his Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering, in 1968, from the University of Minnesota.

Jerry married Barbara Ann Rudolph on March 18, 1967 at Saint John’s Lutheran Church in Annandale, Minnesota.

He spent the entirety of his 35 year career with Onan Corporation, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He worked in the areas of power generation and military technology. Ultimately, he became the Director of International Engineering for Onan, which took him to many different locations worldwide. Jerry retired in 2003 and enjoyed every minute of it.

Jerry was an active member of Augustana Lutheran Church and also was involved with the American Legion, the local YMCA, Fergus Falls Township Board, Toastmasters and was a member of the American Engineering Association. He remained a Registered Professional Engineer even in his retirement, an honor of which he was proud.

He enjoyed fishing, woodworking and outdoor activities, often doing these things with his grandchildren or siblings. He enjoyed going to the YMCA and the City Bakery with his wife, Barbara, on a regular basis.

Preceding him in death were his parents.

Survivors include: his wife, Barbara Ann Cichosz of Fergus Falls; son, Jamison (Amy) Cichosz of Fergus Falls; grandchildren, Gavin, Campbell, Burke, and Mika Cichosz; siblings, Mary (Gerald) Lawler of Rochester, James (Sharon) Cichosz of Winona, Michael (Karen) Cichosz of Lakeville, Charles (Denise) Cichosz of Winona, Richard (Patricia) Cichosz of Winona, Steven (Carol) Cichosz of Winona; along with numerous nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Augustana Lutheran Church or to the donor’s choice.

Visitation: 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home and one hour prior to the service at the church.
Service: 1 p.m., Friday, December 27, 2013 at Augustana Lutheran Church, Fergus Falls.
Clergy: Reverend Paul Nelson
Military Participation: Fergus Falls American Legion and VFW
Burial: 12:30 p.m. Monday, December 30, 2013 at Fort Snelling National Cemetery, Minneapolis, MN
Arrangements provided by Olson Funeral Home, Fergus Falls.

Condolences may be sent online at www.olsonfuneralhome.com