Gerald "Jerry" Yourczek, 92, of Angora, MN passed away Saturday, January 26th.

Gerald attended school in Little Falls, MN before enlisting in the Navy in 1944. He spent 25 years serving his country aboard ship around the world, entering into combat in WWII and the Korean War.

During his time in the Navy, Gerald was honored to receive a Presidential Unit Citation for the blockade of Wonson Harbor. He received one Battle Star for his service in World War II in the Invasion of Okinawa and four Battle Stars for his service in the Korean War in addition to other service medals. However, his most valued prize in the Navy came when he met his wife, Wendy, when they were both stationed in San Diego. Chief Petty Officer Yourczek then served as Chief Recruiter for the Navy in St. Cloud, MN before retiring.

Gerald, Wendy and their family settled down on a farm in Angora, MN and he proceeded to work at the US Forest Service and ISD 2142 as a well-loved School Bus Driver. During his time at the US Forest Service, Gerald was awarded a Carnegie Hero Medal for saving the life of an elderly woman from a house fire.

Jerry was a neighbor and friend to everyone who knew him and a mentor to so many. He was honored to have served his country and often regaled his tales of his time aboard ship. He was incredibly proud of his children and family. He loved animals, particularly foxes, deer and feathered friends, and working in the fields on his tractor. He is known for his expansive vocabulary and expressions such as "amazleness" and "balls on a goose," as well as always having time to stop by for a visit and a cup of coffee.

Gerald was preceded in death by his mother, Johana West. He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Blanche "Wendy" Yourczek, his children Dennis (Nell) Yourczek, Martin Yourczek, Vicki Ollestad, Sheri Yourczek, Gerald Yourczek II, Ashley (Erick) Lappi, Chester Yourczek, Desiree Yourczek, Deborah Foust, numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren, his dogs Ruby and Baily, and his beloved donkey.

A visitation will be held on Friday, February 1, 2019 from 6-8 PM at Mlaker Funeral Home. Funeral Services will be held on Saturday, February 2, 2019 at 2:00PM at Trinity Lutheran Church, Cook, MN. Visitation will also be held one hour prior to the service at the church. Military honors will be accorded by Cook VFW Post #1757 Honor Guard & Orr American Legion Post #480 Honor Guard. To leave an online condolence visit www.mlakerfuneralhome.com.