Jerome “Jerry” Stanley Bojarski, age 85, was called home to the Lord on June 21, 2026. He was born in Detroit, Michigan on May 8, 1941, to Stanley and Gertrude (nee Kohler). Jerry graduated from St. Elizabeth High School class of 1959. On July 3, 1965, Jerry was united in marriage to his beloved wife, Gertrude Maxinoski, at St. Hyacinth’s Catholic Church in Detroit. Together, they shared a beautiful life and raised five children.

Jerry's Catholic faith was the cornerstone of his life, guiding him with unwavering devotion to God and His Church. He found great joy in serving the Lord and generously gave his time and talents to his parish communities throughout his life. A faithful and dedicated member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Detroit, and later the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Milwaukee, Jerry lived his faith through quiet acts of kindness and humble service. His steadfast belief in God's love and his servant's heart left a lasting impression on all who knew him.

A master of his craft, Jerry beautifully intertwined his faith and character with a remarkable, lifelong career in photography. He began shaping his profession in Detroit at Boulevard Photographic from 1965 to 1974, capturing the golden era of American automotive history for brands like Ford, Dodge, Oldsmobile, Pontiac, Buick, and Cadillac. After freelancing with Hornbacher Studios, a life-changing opportunity in 1977 with Pohlman Studios brought Jerry and his young family to Milwaukee, Wisconsin. There, he perfected his artistry, skillfully shooting everything from heavy industrial JI Case tractors and iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycles to commercial campaigns such as Kohl’s Department Stores, Sears, Oshkosh B’Gosh, Pabst Brewing Company, and Miller Brewing Company.

Ever creative and enterprising, Jerry also followed his entrepreneurial spirit into business ownership, founding "Star Cars", and "PhotoBo" and opening "The Milwaukee Art Exchange" in downtown Milwaukee, specializing in art consignment. Because he truly loved what he did, retirement wasn't something Jerry rushed into; he spent his later years bringing his seasoned eye to Penzeys Spices, working as a photographer from 2006 until his official retirement at the age of 78 in 2019.

Jerry's greatest legacy, however, was the love he shared with his family and friends. A devoted husband, loving father, and proud grandfather, he dedicated his life to those he cherished most. He was known for his tireless work ethic, gentle kindness, and an unmistakable sense of personal style—he will always be affectionately remembered for his iconic "red shoes." He lived with deep humility, generosity, and compassion. Though his journey through life led him to establish deep roots in Wisconsin, Detroit was always "home" in Jerry's heart, a place he cherished and carried with him wherever he went.

Those left to cherish Jerry's memory are his children: Jeffery (Dawn) Bojarski, Christopher (Rebecca) Bojarski, Beth (Mark Winter) Bojarski, Joel (Sarah) Bojarski, and Lea Vogt. He is also lovingly remembered by his 13 cherished grandchildren: Katelyn Bojarski, Hannah Bojarski, Madeline Bojarski, Sophia Bojarski, Madison Bojarski, Ian Bojarski, Camden Bojarski, Luke Bojarski, Ava Bojarski, Eric Vogt, Beth Vogt Tupper, Lauren Vogt Seitz, and Alexander Vogt; as well as three great-grandchildren.

Those preceding Jerry in death, who were undoubtedly waiting to guide him to his new eternal life in heaven, were his beloved wife, Gertrude; his parents, Stanley and Gertrude Bojarski; his brother, George; half-brothers, Frank and Eugene; half-sisters, Lucille and Lorraine; his parents-in-law, Victor and Mary Maxinoski; and his son-in-law, Ralph Vogt.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at the Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist (812 N Jackson St, Milwaukee) on Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 3:00 p.m. Family and friends are invited to gather afterward for a Celebration of Life at Hubbard Park Lodge in Shorewood/Milwaukee, where we will honor, share stories, and remember Jerry from 4:30-7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Zilber Hospice in Wauwatosa, Wisconsin, in grateful recognition of the exceptional compassion, comfort, and care they provided to Jerry during his final days. Donations can be made online at: secure.aahgiving.org

For those wishing to send flowers, please direct them to Hubbard Park Lodge (3565 N Morris Blvd, Milwaukee).