Jerome P. Szczech, age 89, of Foley, died Saturday, October 15, 2016 at the St. Cloud Hospital.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM Thursday, October 20, 2016 at St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church in Brennyville. The Rev. Leo Moenkedick will officiate. Burial will be in the Parish Cemetery with full military honors by the Foley American Legion. Friends may call from 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Wednesday at the Foley Funeral Home and also after 9:30 AM Thursday at the church. Parish Prayers will be at 5 PM Wednesday followed by Knights of Columbus Rosary at 6 PM.

Jerome Peter Szczech was born May 20, 1927 in Milwaukee, WI the son of  Steve and Clara (Golla) Szczech. On May 14, 1949, he married Pauline Stachowski in Minneapolis.  The couple made their home in Benton County where they farmed until retiring in 1992. Jerome was an active member of St. Elizabeth's Catholic Church, serving as a past Trustee, bazaar cashier, cemetery board, parish council, Eucharistic Minister, and Knights of Columbus Immaculate Mary Council #9261 (Honorary Life Member). He proudly served his country in the United States Army during WWII and was a life member of VFW Post #6992. In retirement, he started a small saw-sharpening business, which he enjoyed for the social aspect.   He enjoyed hunting, visiting, watching Vikings games, and bird watching, as well as the occasional wild animal, at his feeders.

He is survived by his children:  Duane Szczech (Marcia Benson) of Clearwater, Sandra (Mark) Brenny of Sauk Rapids, Jim (Donna) Szczech of Clear Lake and Eugene (Jane) Szczech of St. Cloud; grandchildren:  Tammy (Alex) Forliti, Wendy (Jerry) Forsythe, Michael (Melissa) Brenny, Heidi (Matthew) Kinder, Matthew (Danielle) Brenny, Dawn (Rian) Hofstad, Ethian Szczech, Luke Szczech, Katie Hedburg (Justin Huehn) and Amanda Szczech; great-grandchildren:  Claire, Grant and Jake Forliti, Grady, Gunnar and Graham Forsythe, Lucy, Blake, Layla and Ellie Brenny, Molly, Jake and Brody Kinder, Drew Brenny, Cole and Henry Hofstad and Brady Hedburg; brother, Clifford Szczech of Minneapolis; sister-in-laws:  Genny Henry of Wickenburg, AZ and Doris Stachowski of Osseo, MN. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Pauline; sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws.