Gerald A. Bilski

Gerald A. Bilski 

November 11, 1935 – January 19, 2026 

Gerald A. Bilski, of Woodbury, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on January 19, 2026, at the age of 90. 

Jerry grew up in St. Paul, Minnesota, and graduated from Saint Thomas Academy in 1953. He went on to attend the University of Minnesota, where he briefly discerned a calling to the Catholic seminary—a path that, thankfully for his wife Sandy of 66 years, their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, he chose not to pursue. 

Jerry was a devoted husband to Sandy and a loving father to Mike (Jackie), Dennis (Londa), Dave, Jim, Debbie (Mike Adducci), and Linda. He was the proud grandfather of 11 grandchildren and great-grandfather to 17 great-grandchildren, all of whom were a constant source of joy and pride in his life. 

A lifelong lover of the outdoors, Jerry’s passion began as a camp counselor at Camp Foley and continued throughout his life as a cabin owner and a generous benefactor with Sandy to Camp Knutson for many years. He taught his family how to genuinely enjoy life in the Northwoods—through water skiing, fishing, Gin Rummy, more dice games than anyone could count, and, of course, the legendary shore lunch. 

Jerry took his family “to shore lunch” however and wherever he could, believing that every place was beautiful, and that fish could be caught anywhere if you tried hard enough. Those moments, filled with laughter, stories, and simple joy, became lifelong memories for all who shared them with him. 

Professionally, Jerry had a distinguished career in banking that spanned more than fifty years, earning the respect of colleagues and the trust of countless clients through his integrity, work ethic, ingenuity, and steady leadership. 

Above all else, Jerry will be remembered for his deep love of family, his generosity, his sense of humor, and his ability to teach those around him how to enjoy life fully—one cast, one card game, and one shore lunch at a time. 

Jerry leaves this life having lived a life with Sandy of total devotion to the Catholic faith. 

He will be deeply missed and forever remembered by his family and friends!  

The family wants to thank the caregivers that assisted Jerry over the last few years.  

Please join the family for a visitation starting at 10:00 am, on Monday January 26, 2026, at Saint Ambrose Catholic Church, 4125 Woodbury Drive, Woodbury, Minnesota 55129. The Mass of Catholic Burial will be held starting at 11:00 am proceeded by a lunch. The burial will be a private family ceremony in the spring. Memorials to Jerry are preferred to Camp Knutson, 11148 Manhattan Point Blvd, Crosslake, Minnesota 56442.  

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gerald A. Bilski, please visit our floral store.