Jerry Dale Czichotzki

Jerry Dale Czichotzki, 89, of Breckenridge, Minnesota, passed away on February 4th, 2026, at Pioneer Home in Fergus Falls, Minnesota. A service will be held in Jerry's honor on Monday, February 9, 2026, at Breckenridge Lutheran Church at 1:00 pm, with a visitation held prior to the service at Joseph Vertin & Sons Funeral Home from 10:30 am-12:30 pm.

It is with a heart full of memories and a smile that we celebrate the life of Jerry Czichotzki, an authentic outdoorsman, beloved community member, and true public servant who passed away peacefully on February 4, 2026, at the age of 89. Jerry Dale Czichotzki was born on February 3, 1937, to Alvin and Margaret (Lambert) Czichotzki in Breckenridge, MN; where he spent most of his life, and where his spirit and laughter will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who knew him.

As a high school football star from Breckenridge High School's Class of 1955, Jerry also embodied the spirit of competition and camaraderie through participating in track and basketball. Following his high school days Jerry worked a variety of jobs before joining the Breckenridge Police Department including welding, building, and even grave digging. It was also during this time that he fell in love with Janet Hunkins, the woman he would share his life with for the remainder of his days. They were united in marriage on June 26, 1957. With 34 years of service as a police officer in Breckenridge and 33 years on the fire department, Jerry was not just a protector of the community but also a vital part of its fabric. He proudly served on the city council, always finding ways to improve his beloved hometown. His craftsmanship was legendary; whether he was welding, building, or creating wooden models showcased in local eateries, his skilled hands brought life to his projects. Jerry’s passion for community extended beyond his professional life. He could strike up a conversation with anyone, never meeting a stranger, making friends wherever he went. His love for life was often celebrated over cups of coffee and dice games with his pals, all while recounting tales of past adventures or engaging in some friendly banter. During quieter moments at home, he enjoyed losing himself in a Louis L’Amour novel or classic Western film.

Jerry embodied the essence of adventure. He was an avid hunter, spending countless days in the woods of Minnesota, Montana, and Wyoming, tracking deer, elk, and moose with an infectious enthusiasm. Summer or winter, if there was a fishing hole nearby, you could count on Jerry to be there with his trusty rod. His love for the outdoors extended to his hobby farm, where he joyfully tended to his chickens and other animals over the years, and who could forget when he hand-fed “Precious,” the bear he built the enclosure for at Chahinkapa Zoo. 

Jerry is survived by his loving wife, Janet Czichotzki; children: Cindy (Tom) Deal, Geralyn (Bruce) Hoglin, and Dan (Kathy) Czichotzki; grandchildren: Jason (Mary) Deal, Katie (Cody Stuhaug) Kohoutek, Jolynn (Evan) Betts, Sarah (Zac) Bremmon, Morgan Czichotzki, and Jared Hoglin; nine great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; brother-in-law Dan Jaeb; sister-in-law Judy (Roger) Harty; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents Alvin and Margaret Czichotzki; father and mother-in-law Merle & Blanche Hunkins; and sisters: Donna VanTassel and MarJean Jaeb; and brother-in-law Jim Hunkins.

Let us honor the incredible man who touched our lives with generosity, warmth, and a love for adventure. Jerry Czichotzki, you will be missed but never forgotten. The Czichotzki family would also like to extend a special thanks to Pioneer Care and Vivie Hospice, both of Fergus Falls, MN.

Jerry Dale Czichotzki passed away peacefully at Pioneer Care in Fergus Falls under the care of Vivie Hospice on February 4, 2026, at the age of 89 years and one day.

May His Memory Be Blessed