Jerome Baudek, 61, of Chandler, AZ, formerly of Ely, dies

Jerome (Jerry) Baudek, 61, of Chandler, AZ died unexpectedly at home on Thursday, April 19, 2018.
Jerry was born March 24, 1957 in Winton, MN. He graduated from Ely Memorial High School in 1975. Jerry was always involved in athletics and was a letterman in swimming and golf. After high school he worked briefly at Erie Mining.
Jerry’s deep-rooted love of Minnesota did not waiver, but his passion for golf and warm climates led him to Florida in the early ’80s and then to Arizona in the mid-’90s. Jerry was an ardent golfer. He worked in food preparation and bartending at T.G.I. Friday’s for ten years, in sales for several years, and then found satisfaction as a house painter the rest of his working years. In his spare time he enjoyed refinishing furniture, and his attention to detail and craft precision were apparent in all his works.
Jerry enjoyed summer return trips to MN visiting with family and friends on and off the golf course in Ely and Babbitt. Jerry’s zest for life and his free spirit, combined with his quick wit and sense of humor, served him well. He had a gift for bringing joy and laughter everywhere he went. Jerry was also a gentle man with a loving heart and compassion for others. These gifts resulted in life-long friendships spread across the country and countless happy memories. He appreciated reconnecting with cousins and sharing family stories. Jerry lived life on his own terms, going with the flow, and courageously accepted limited mobility when things got tough. His positive attitude was unrelenting. No matter where he was or the situation, Jerry always took the time to call his family and friends on their birthday. Jerry will be forever remembered as a loving son, brother, uncle, cousin and true friend. Cherish your “Jerry” stories in his memory.
Jerry is survived by his father, Mathew Baudek; brother Mathew (Marie) Baudek; and sisters: Janice (Craig) Beyer) and Judy (Martin) Husar; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Matt and Jennie Baudek and Eino and Aune Kylmala; his mother Rita Baudek; brothers Patrick and Tom Baudek; and several aunts and uncles. Services and internment are pending with Kerntz Funeral Home, Ely, MN.