Gerald “Jerry” Michael, 88

Gerald “Jerry” Michael, age 88, died peacefully on Friday, August 28, 2020 at the Minnesota Masonic Home in Bloomington, MN. Jerry was born on August 16, 1932 in  New Prague to Leo and Elizabeth (Fitzpatrick) Michael. He attended country school in Helena Township, St. Wenceslaus School and graduated from New Prague High School in 1951.  He played football in high school and was on the St. Patrick baseball team.

 Jerry married the love of his life, Lucille Tupy in 1962 and together they had four children. They owned a 223-acre farm in Scott County until 1977 before moving to New Prague.  He worked at various places until retirement: Midland Glass in Shakopee, George Angel Cleaning in Bloomington, the Metrodome in Minneapolis and Canterbury Park in Shakopee.  During retirement, he lived at Levee Apartments, a senior-living complex, in Shakopee. He enjoyed coffee time with his buddies, setting up the lunchroom each day and watching Gunsmoke in the afternoons.

 Jerry became a fan of the Minnesota Vikings in 1961, the year the franchise began and he was also a devoted Twins fan, even setting up a second television, next to his main one, designated as his “Twins T.V.” during retirement.

He had a gift for making people laugh with one liners and often told people he cared about, how special they are with this phrase: “there’s only one you.”

 Jerry is survived by his children, Jean Hansen, Marilyn Michael and John Michael; Grandchildren, Angela, Melissa (Justin), Sarah (Jake), Kelly, Emily and Chad; 5 great-grandchildren and his twin-sister, Geraldine Barber. He is preceded in death by his wife, Lucille; son, Jim; mother, Elizabeth; father, Leo; step-mother, Loretta and sister, Cleo (Dvoracek).

  Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, September 2, 2020 at 11:00 AM at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church with Father Eugene Theisen officiating. Mass will be live-streamed on npcatholic.org.  Due to COVID-19, no public visitation will be held but the public may enter church for Mass after 10:30.  Masks are required for those attending.  Burial will follow at St. Wenceslaus Cemetery. bruzekfuneralhome.com