Gerald "Jerry/Hank" Kostrzewski, 73, of Thief River Falls, MN, died suddenly from natural causes on Wednesday, July 26th, 2023, at his residence.

On March 6th, 1950, Jerry was born to Steve and Alice (Pokrzywinski) Kostrzewski in Warren, MN. He was baptized and attended St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, Argyle, MN. Jerry attended school in Argyle, then joined the United States Army, serving in Vietnam from May 22nd, 1969 to September 7th, 1971 before being honorably discharged. He was very proud of the time he spent in the Army and it left a lasting impact on him.  He then returned to Argyle, MN, met Ellette Erickson in Warren, MN on February 19th, 1972. Just seven weeks later, Jerry and Ellette said their I do's in Warren, MN on April 12th, 1972. Shortly after, they moved to Thief River Falls, MN, where they started their family and were soon raising three children. Jerry worked at Arctic Cat for a number of years, as well as delivered propane, plowed snow, and bartended until he retired from "normal employment" in 2008. He rarely had just one job at a time, and was always ready to jump in even if he didn't quite know what to do (yet).

Although technically retired, Jerry was proud to help others who needed his assistance; he would literally do anything for anyone. He enjoyed talking with others, sharing a joke as well as a story or two… or three! Taking care of his "ladies" lawns and snow removal was not only a pastime; he genuinely enjoyed the work and was always ready for the treats and conversation that followed. Family was very important to him, and he did everything possible to meet their needs. He enjoyed tinkering in the garage, watching "Gunsmoke," listening to music in his office, testing his luck on lottery tickets, and visiting with family and friends. He had a strong faith, appreciated good food, was always up for a good time, and lived every day to the fullest.  If you met Jerry once, you remembered him. His sometimes inappropriate humor left most shaking their heads, while unable to help smiling. He truly was one of a kind. Of course he can't wait to see everyone again, but in the meantime, take a lesson from Hank: never take life too seriously.

Left to miss him everyday are his wife of 51 years, Ellette Kostrzewski, Thief River Falls; children: Stacie (Collin) Mooney, Thief River Falls, Brad (Jason Grinnen), Spirit Lake, Iowa, and Jessica "Pumpkin" (Corey) Hodne, Thief River Falls; grandchildren: Kyle (Madeline) Mooney, Ciera (Austin) Bohm, Paige Buschette; great-grandchildren: Grayson Fox and Beckham Dax Mooney, Nevaeh, Colton, and Will Buschette; siblings: Jeanette (Jim) Asp of Thief River Falls, MN, Richard Kostrzewski Rosewood, MN, Rosemary Kostrzewski of Wadena, MN and Gary Kostrzewski (special friend, Jane Vendell) of Shoreview, MN; several cousins, nephews, and nieces; and of course his four-legged kids, who he called his little pals: Billy and Buffy.

Jerry is now in Heaven holding his twin sons: Jason and Jerald who passed away in October 1973; hugging his parents: Steve and Alice Kostrzewski; and whooping it up with his siblings: Daniel Kostrzewski and Julian "Sonny" Kostrzewski, and sister-in-law: Cheryl Kostrzewski.

Visitation will be from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm on Tuesday, August 1st, 2023, at St. Bernards Catholic Church, Thief River Falls, MN.

Mass of Christian Burial (Jerry style) will be at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, August 1st, 2023, at St. Bernards Catholic Church, Thief River Falls, MN.  A private family burial will be held at a later date.