Gerald "Jerry" J. Kudzma

Gerald “Jerry” Kudzma, 82, fought diligently and lost to a difficult battle with cancer on June 24, 2022 in Rockford. Born in Rockford, Illinois on July 7, 1939 son to Joseph and Anna Kudzma. A 1957 graduate of West High School, Jerry went on to work at Warner-Lambert for 40 years before retirement. He married the love of his life, DeAnne “Dee” Lind, on August 6, 1960. Dee and Jerry enjoyed time spent with friends and family. They loved to travel, especially to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. They also enjoyed socializing with friends at the Lithuanian Club and St. Ambrosio Society. Jerry was an avid fisherman and carpenter; he could build or fix anything, it just may have taken him a while to complete.

Jerry will be missed by those who loved him most, his wife of 61 wonderful years, DeAnne; his children Kim (Gary) Strakeljahn, Dave (Jodi) Kudzma, Mike (Wendy) Klock; his beloved granddaughters Stephanie, Taylor, Brooke, Karly, Paige and Kendra. He is predeceased by his parents Joseph and Anna, as well as his siter Lois (Clarence) Winston.

Cremation rites have been accorded with Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, Riverside Chapel.Please. Join us in celebrating the life of Gerald "Jerry" Kudzma on Wednesday, July 6, 2022 at The American Lombardi Club, Rockford,I’ll. stop in any time from 5:00-8:00pm. All are welcome to join in remembering great memories together! In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Noah’s Ark Animal Sanctuary, 111 N 1st Street, Rockford, Illinois 61107. To send online condolences or share memories, please visit www.fitzgeraldfh.com