Michael Jerome Jellinek

Michael Jerome Jellinek

Age 85 of Saint Paul

October 15, 1940 - January 14, 2026.

Michael Jerome Jellinek was born on October 15, 1940, to Arthur and Ann (Kohout) Jellinek. He was one of 10 children. Michael grew up in St. Paul and graduated from St. Paul Central in 1958. There he ran track, cross country and was involved in gymnastics.

After graduating, Michael joined the Navy where he was a store clerk. He took great pride in his service and he was then discharged in 1961. Michael then started working for 3M in 1962 for 35 years and retired as a supervisor in the International Export Department. Michael attended the University of Minnesota and graduated in 1970.

Thanks to Michael’s sister, Ardeth, he met the love of his life, Bonnie. The two got married on February 8, 1964. And with that union came their only child, Cynthia Marie, on October 13, 1964.

Michael absolutely loved to sing. He belonged to the 3M Chorus, South St. Paul Male Chorus, Mellow Fellows and the St. Pascal Choir. All of which spanned over a total of 55 years. Not only was he a great singer, but he was a great runner as well. He ran a total of 45 marathons. Some of those included running three New York marathons, Hawaii, the Marine Corp, both the Grandmas and Twin Cities marathons, the Brew to Brew marathon in both Kansas City, MO and Kansas City, KS, and the Comrades Ultra Marathon in South Africa.

Michael and Bonnie had many adventures traveling together and being season ticket holders to both the Minnesota Gophers football program and the Minnesota Wild. They have been loyal ticket holders to the Wild for 24 years. With that came many friends, including the Wild’s mascot, Nordy.

Besides being a father, Michael took great pride in being a grandpa to both Samantha Corrine and Alex Michael. There were many trips to Orlando with the family so both he and Bonnie could be with the grandkids and make unforgettable memories. Many summers were spent taking the grandkids to the lake, Como Zoo, walking the trail behind the house and going to the park. Along with making many trips to Buffalo Center, IA to watch their grandkids grow and go through life’s accomplishments.

Michael had a heart of gold and generously supported numerous charitable organizations and helped when help was needed. He volunteered a lot of his time at

St. Pascals; from the church remodel, to helping make booya, to even helping with the Christmas trees.

Michael moved to Artis Senior Living in September of 2025. He absolutely loved it there and enjoyed all the activities that were available. His only complaint was that the food wasn’t warm enough! Otherwise, he very much enjoyed the staff and making new friends.

On New Years Day, Michael was admitted to the hospital for signs of pneumonia. With his wife, granddaughter, and special friend, Ronda, by his side; Michael passed away peacefully on January 14, 2026.

His memory will always be cherished by his wife of 62 years, Bonnie; granddaughter, Samantha (Josh) Hedum; sisters, Janet Lokowich, Judy McGrath and Cyndy (Bill) Manthei; brother-in-law, Dennis DeMike; along with nieces, nephews, and many friends.

Michael was preceded in death by his mother, Ann; daughter, Cyndi; grandson, Alex; son-in-law, Kirk; sister-in-law, Donna; brother-in-laws, Emmet and Jerry; five sisters, Barbara, Marilyn, Nancy, Ardeth and Virginia; brother, Larry; and his parents-in-law, Al and Corrine.

The family would like to extend their greatest gratitude to the nurses, staff, and doctors at both Artis Senior Living and M Health Fairview Woodwinds Hospital for all that they did for Michael during his times of need.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to St. Pascal Baylon Catholic Church, Mellow Fellows, or Jesuit Retreat House in Lake Elmo, MN.

 A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Pascal Baylon Catholic Church at 11AM on Friday, January 23rd with a visitation at 10AM. Burial will be held at a later date. 

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