Jerry was born on March 21, 1936 in Appleton, MN, to William and Josephine Kashmark. The first of ten. They eventually moved to Renville, MN where he attended Renville High School. He served 2 years in the Army and worked as a machinist 40+ years in the Twin Cities.
In 1959 he met and married his wife, Joy E. Jensen. He always said, "She was the one responsible for changing me". He adored her family and it is here he grew to appreciate and respect the disciplined collaborative hard work of farming. He and Joy raised their 3 children in Blaine, MN.
Jerry was an avid hunter and fisherman, drawn to the beauty and adventures of the sport. His jokes, sarcastic sense of humor, uncanny ability to make others laugh and quiet selfless generosity will be greatly missed.
He was preceded in passing by his wife, Joy Kashmark; second wife, Lee Backstrom; parents, Josephine and William Kashmark; son-in-law, Robert Cunningham; brothers-in-law, Robert Westby, Kenneth Moe, Don Wocasek; and sister-in-law, Rosemary Kashmark.
Jerry is survived by his children, Jerry (Mary) Kashmark, Julie Cunningham, Jan (Art) Borland; grandchildren, Jerome, Amanda, and Jessica Kashmark, Kristina Wohlfeil and Nicholas Cunningham, Ashley and Sidney Borland; great-grandchildren, Gage, Miranda, Rhema, Cyrus, Zoe, Skyler, Gabe, Hunter; siblings, Janice Westby, Patricia Moe, Connie (Hank Bendixen) Kashmark, Barbara (Ken) Schrupp, Gail Wocasek, Bill (Nan) Kashmark, Mary (Bob) Vinar, Mike (Denise) Kashmark, Doug (Paula) Kashmark; many nieces, nephews, and extended family and friends.
Join us to celebrate Jerry's life on his 90th birthday, Saturday, March 21, 2026 at Gearhart Anoka Funeral Home, 552 East River Rd, Anoka. Visitation begins at 11 am, with service at 12 pm, and luncheon to follow.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be given to Ducks Unlimited of MN or the Arbor Day Foundation: https://tinyurl.com/DonateToDucks
