Gerald "Polack" Wisnewski, 60, of Eau Claire passed away from this life on Wednesday, September 24, 2008, at his home with his wife at his side. He was born in Poniatowski, WI on August 24, 1948, to John and Josephine (Nowacki) Wisnewski.\r\nHe graduated from Edgar High School with the class of 1966, he then moved to the Chippewa Falls area. As a young man, he worked at National Presto Industries and also did construction. Jerry then owned and operated his own business until poor health forced him to retire.\r\nJerry met his future wife Jean Behnke in the fall of 1968. They later married and recently celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.\r\nJerry loved the home he and Jean had built in 1999. He cherished the time he had there. He was always grateful and satisfied for what he had. He enjoyed the time when they could travel and was an avid football fan. Jerry was thankful for the time he could be with Jean before his passing and for the care given by Northwest Home Care Hospice team, and Dr. Mark Edstrom, and cherished the visits with family. From the time he was given a terminal diagnosis until the end Jerry faced it with strength, courage and dignity. His conversations with his family about his impending death and where he was going left us with our mouths hanging open and tears in our eyes. He was loved for his story telling ability and a great sense of humor. Jerry could find humor in everything. He was an inspiration. There will never be another one quite like him, he will be dearly missed. Jerry is survived by his wife, Jean; three brothers, Elmer (Barb), Art (Bernice), and Mark (Carole) Wisnewski; three sisters, Vi Thompson, Adeline Strand, and Joanne (Durand) Boser; three brothers-in-law, Wayne (Margaret) Behnke, Bruce Behnke, and Brad (Christi) Behnke; two sisters-in-law, Lynn (Peter) Franck and Cheryl (Tom) Osfar; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews whom he loved dearly and have been an important part of his life.\r\nHe was preceded in death by his infant son, Joshua, his parents; three brothers, David, Richard, and Robert; and two sisters, Florence Szymanski and Leona McJimsey.\r\nMemorial services will be held at 1 p.m. on Monday, September 29, 2008, at Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral Home, 814 First Ave. with Pastor Steve Rutter officiating. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

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