Jerome (Jerry) Philip Vinck, 94, of Eau Claire, passed away into the loving hands of God on Saturday, June 3, 2023, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, WI.
Jerry was born January 11, 1929, in St. Paul, MN to Philip and Ethel (Hickey) Vinck and grew up in White Bear Lake, MN. Jerry was the third born of six children. Jerry graduated from Cretin High School in St. Paul, MN. He attended the University of Minnesota until he transferred to Rassmussen Business College in St. Paul. Jerry served with the National Guard from 1948 through 1952 and trained at the Presidio in San Francisco.
While attending Rasmussen Business College, he met his future wife Barbara Benson, whom he married on September 6, 1952, at St. Mary of the Lake Catholic Church in White Bear Lake, MN. They were married 67 years and have five children. Jerry and Barbara spent many years raising their family in Eau Claire, WI, before moving to Boise, ID and then Lee's Summit, MO. Upon retirement, they returned to Eau Claire to spend their retirement years.
Jerry founded and owned several businesses throughout his life. While living in Eau Claire, he founded Valley Builders Hardware, as well as other businesses. In Kansas City, MO he owned and operated a commercial hardware business as well as a commercial door company. He was a certified Architectural Hardware Consultant and spent his entire career in the commercial door and hardware business.
Jerry was very proud of his Irish heritage. Through the years, he enjoyed woodworking, fishing, boating, snowmobiling, swimming, and spending time at their camper on the Chippewa Flowage. Jerry especially enjoyed fishing trips with his brothers and getting together for morning coffee with the guys. Jerry was a devout Catholic who was involved in the Knights of Columbus and served as a Grand Knight. Jerry and his wife were active members of St. James Catholic Church in Eau Claire for many years.
Jerry is survived by his children Timothy (Sue), Linda (Jeff), Thomas, Michelle (Bruce), and Michael (Mandy), numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, and his brothers David, John, and Steve. Jerry is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Barbara, his sisters Joan and Betty, great-granddaughter Avalyn Renee Chichuk, and great-great granddaughter Tinsley May Affolter.
Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. James the Greater Catholic Church in Eau Claire on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. A video of the service will be available for viewing through Chippewa Valley Cremation Services.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking a donation be made to the Dementia Society of America, which can found online at https://www.dementiasociety.org. The family would also like to express their profound gratitude to the hospice and healthcare workers at Cambridge Senior Living and Sacred Heart Hospital for the exceptional care, love, and kindness Jerry was given over the last few months.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Jerome, please visit our floral store.
Published by Chippewa Valley Cremation Services & Celebration of Life Center on Jun. 27, 2023. |