Jerome 'Jerry' A. Kwasek

Jerome Anthony Kwasek Sr.

Jerome Anthony Kwasek Sr. was born at home in Chicago Heights, Illinois, alongside his twin brother, Joseph, on June 5th, 1935. He passed peacefully in his sleep on July 20, 2026, surrounded by his family.

He attended schools at St. Ann Catholic School through grade school and Bloom High School.

As a young man, Jerome hitchhiked on Old Route 66 to Los Angeles, California with his buddy (Tuffy) and then hiked to San Francisco before returning to the Heights.

Jerome worked at Ford Motor in Chicago before being drafted into the U.S. Army, serving with the U.S. Army’s 7th Infantry Division during the final period of the Korean War.  Returning home, he worked at Chicago Heights Ford Stamping Plant.

In 1957, he married Madeleine Ciasnocha and had three boys Jerome Jr, Brian, and John.

In 1962, he joined the Chicago Heights Fire Department and rose through the ranks to become Captain Battalion Commander.  In addition to his fire service Jerome also worked for Chicago Heights Distributing for 24 years and also owned Skyline Water Company. After retiring from the Fire Department, Jerome and Madeleine moved to Winona, Minnesota, where they purchased Lang’s Bar & Grill and later Twin Bluffs Bar & Grill, operating both together.

Madeleine passed away in 2009 after 52 years of marriage.  Following Madeleine’s passing, Jerome began driving vehicles for Pischke Motors in La Crosse, Wisconsin. He loved being on the road.

Among his greatest joys as a sports fan were watching the 1985 Chicago Bears win the Super Bowl and seeing the Chicago Cubs end the curse of the Billy Goat win the World Series in 2016.

He always had a warm smile, a welcoming hug, and maybe too strong of a drink for anyone that joined his company. He was very proud that his name will be carried on with Jerome Anthony Kwasek III.  He will join his wife in the casino in heaven.

Jerome is preceded in death by parents, Joseph and Frances (nee Zych) Kwasek, 6 sisters, 3 brothers and Grandson Jackson Kwasek. Survived and greatly missed by his children Jerome Jr. (Jenny) of Winona, MN, Brian (Keri) of Chicago Heights, John (Debra) of Lakeville, MN. Grandchildren Anthony (Jenna), Brianna, Ainsley, Jerome III.  Great Grandchildren Scarlett, Evelyn, and Edward.

The family would like to extend its heartfelt gratitude to the wonderful team at Moments Hospice for the exceptional care and support they provided over the past couple of months. Their kindness and dedication brought comfort during a very difficult time, and the family is deeply appreciative.

Visitation and Service on Saturday, August 1^st from 10:00 A.M. until of service at 12:00 Noon at Kerr-Parzygnot Funeral Home 540 Dixie Hwy. (at Joe Orr Rd.), Chicago Heights, IL 60411.  Interment to following at Calvary Catholic Cemetery, Steger, Illinois.   (708) 754-0016.