Jerome “Jerry” Kirpach, age 78, of East Bethel. Loving husband, father, grandfather, died at home July 24, 2016 surrounded by his family. A Celebration of Life will be held at Hidden Haven Golf Club in East Bethel, MN on Thursday, July 28th from 4-8 pm. Memorials are preferred to St. Francis Wrestling or East Bethel Fire Department.
Jerome (Jerry) David Kirpach was born on August 26, 1937 in Minneapolis to Harold and Ruby (Johnson) Kirpach. He was raised in Minneapolis and graduated from John Marshall High School, class of 1955. Jerry served in the United States Marine Corps from 1956 -1958. After his military service he returned to the Twin Cities area. On December 20, 1958 he married his beautiful bride of 58 years, Carla Brimacomb, and they made their home in southeast Minneapolis. They later moved to Bloomington and in 1965 they moved to East Bethel where they raised their two sons, Steven and Thomas. Jerry was employed by Egan & Sons in Minneapolis for over 30 years. He was a member of the Plumbers Union Local 15 and was a volunteer firefighter with the East Bethel Fire Department for 20 years, where he was on the department’s softball team. He retired in 1997 and enjoyed spending time in the yard working on his Honey-Do list. One thing he always knew was, ‘if Mama’s not happy nobody’s happy,’ something he ingrained into his boys. Their extra time always revolved around the family; they rarely missed any of the kids’ or grandkids’ events. Jerry was a sport’s enthusiast, always cheering on not only his sons and grandsons, but also encouraging and cheering for their teammates. They would head to Mississippi to purchase some great plants that you just don’t find in Minnesota and, on the way, would enjoy some time at the Casino. They also enjoyed taking trips to Nevada. Another favorite past time of Jerry’s was going to auctions and finding all the great deals. We can still hear him announce, ‘I found a box of gems for a dollar’.
He was a great husband, father and grandfather and family was always the most important thing in his life. Jerry was very generous and a true friend to everyone that knew him. He will be greatly missed by all.
He is survived by wife, Carla; 2 sons, Steven (Malou) Kirpach, Thomas (Laurie) Kirpach all of East Bethel; 2 grandsons, Travis and Cole Kirpach; 2 brothers, Harold (Dorothy) Kirpach and Bill McCusker. He was preceded in death by parents and brother, Tim McCusker.
Brooke Norling says
I am so sorry to hear of your loss, and as we all know Jerry had a battle and no longer needs to suffer.
He was always so fun to sit with in the stands and hear him either cheer for the boys or disagree with the umps.
Cole he will be with you in spirit at every game and every match!! Grandpa would never miss it!!
Love to you all.
The Norlings
Jon Spencer says
Tom, Steve and family, I am so sorry to hear about your Dad. I am thinking about you all at this sad time and all the good times growing up we all had.
Jon Spencer
Mary McKinney says
Sending our condolences and Prayers to the family. Jerry( or grandpa as the team called him) will be greatly missed. Grandpa was our #1 baseball fan! (Even when his own grandkids didn’t play).
-The McKinney’s
Jo-Ann Wyatt says
Sorry to hear of Jerry death remembering the fun times we shared with Marlene and Clint. Years have passed but think of you as we drive by your place. God’s peace be with you.
Jeanne Glinski and family says
Sorry for your loss. ??
RickHemmelgarn says
Sorry to hear Jerry left us. Had a lot of good times with Jerry and family, from me baby setting the boys, to Fire department, and going out to Rubies farm on the bluffs.
Prayers out to you Carla and family.