Gerald T ‘Jerry’ Bicha, age 94, of Hudson, joined his beloved wife in heaven on Sunday, July 5th, on the 75th anniversary of their marriage.  He was born April 7, 1926 in St. Paul, Minnesota to parents Joseph and Jeanette Bicha.  He was the middle child in a family of nine siblings: Joseph, Jeanette, Marion, Robert, Pearl, Ray, Jim and Phyllis.  All preceded him in death.

Jerry married the love of his life, Norma Griffith, on July 5, 1945.  Their union was blessed with three children:  Gerald L. Bicha (Judy), Gayle Couch (Fred) and Jean Seiler.  Norma preceded him in death, as did daughter-in-law Jeanne Bicha, son-in-law Jim Seiler, grandson-in-law Craig Wolff, and great grandson Jackson Germain.

He spent the bulk of his career as a machinist with tool & die expertise at the Twin Cities Arsenal, Honeywell and finally 3M, where he retired after 28 years.  Jerry and Norma wintered in Florida, traveled the country, and enjoyed cabin life in NW Wisconsin for many years.  He was a jack of all trades, and mastered them all without the benefit of Youtube videos for guidance.  He loved being in the great outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman.

Jerry spent the past 5 years at Wintergreen in Hudson, where he served as a volunteer at Christian Community Home.  He recently transitioned to Pine Ridge Assisted Living, where he spent his final month, under the care of Lakeview Hospice.

Besides his children, he is survived by grandchildren Denise Shipman, Dawn Kaiser (Jim), Luke Seiler (Jenni), Lisa Wolff Sicard (Mike), Melissa Germain (Lee), Troy Sierakowski (Toni), and Tonya Sierakowski: great grandchildren Nick Shipman, Alisha Johnsen (Joe), Amber Kaiser, Jimmy Kaiser, Samantha Wolff (Ryan Himes), Trevor Wolff, Emily Sicard, Cassandra Reinardy (Jared), Chloe Germain, Logan Seiler, Lilly Seiler, Leah and Curtis Sierakowski, Cash and Tyler Dion: great-great grandchildren Emilia Shipman, Carter Johnsen, Rylee Johnsen, and Harper Boone.

A family visitation will take place at O’Connell Family Funeral Home in Hudson on Thursday, July 9 from 10:00 to 11:00, followed by a graveside service and burial at Willow River Cemetery.  We are saddened to exclude friends and extended relatives due to the ongoing pandemic. 

We’d like to acknowledge the wonderful care that Jerry received from Lakeview Hospice, with special thanks to his caregiver Myndy, who walked the journey with him over the past year as he battled Mesothelioma.  She became our touchstone after Jerry transitioned to Pine Ridge, as we were not able to visit due to the ongoing threat of COVID.  She made those weeks bearable by providing us with updates in great detail.  She received fair praise from Jerry, who told her that he couldn’t have done it without her.

We’d also like to commend the wonderful staff at Pine Ridge for taking such good care of our loved one during the final weeks of his life.  Their care and concern was demonstrated again and again, especially during his final days.  Thank you Barb and the rest of the fine group of caregivers.  You were absolutely amazing and we are eternally grateful for all of the kindnesses.  Well done!