Jerome Stanley Pietrzak, PhD (January 27, 1943 - February 8, 2024)
Jerome Stanley Pietrzak, PhD, of Algonquin IL -- well-known as "Dr. Jerry" -- passed away late Thursday night, February 8, 2024, at the age of 81. He went home to be with the Lord while sleeping peacefully in the presence of beloved family, after a sudden and aggressive case of pancreatic cancer.
He is survived by his cherished wife Janie (née Ciesko) of 56 years of marriage, and daughters Linda (Scott) Ross of Cary IL, and Diane Pietrzak of Elgin IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Stanley and Regina Pietrzak, of Chicago IL, as well as his older brother Raymond (the late Dorothy) Pietrzak, of Munster IN.
He was also preceded in death by his brother-in-law Robert "Bob" (Barbara) Ciesko of Leland NC, and survived by his brother-in-law Leonard "Lenny" (the late Barbara) Ciesko of Henderson NV, and many nephews, nieces, and other extended family members.
Born on January 27, 1943, Jerry was raised in what he described as "an idyllic childhood" on Blackstone Avenue in the south side of Chicago, where he fondly recalled adventures playing in the prairies as a young boy. He was a proud graduate of St. Ailbe Catholic School, Mount Carmel High School, DePaul University, and Loyola University, where he received his Doctorate in Psychology.
At DePaul University, Jerry met the love of his life, Janie, who captured his heart when he first saw her "across a crowded room." After a romantic proposal on the lawn of the Adler Planetarium on the shores of Lake Michigan, they were married on August 5, 1967, at St. Francis Borgia Church in Chicago. After a few years in River Grove IL, they bought a ranch house in Wheeling IL, where they lovingly raised their daughters. In 1993, they moved to Algonquin. Jerry was an active member of St. Mary Catholic Church in Buffalo Grove, St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Algonquin, and St. Mary Catholic Church in Huntley, and was a passionate advocate of pro-life causes.
Jerry enjoyed a fulfilling career as a compassionate clinical psychologist for over 50 years, including serving as Chief Psychologist of the Adult and Child Guidance Center at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston; counseling residents of Mount St. Joseph in Lake Zurich; assisting with marriage preparation for hundreds of Catholic couples; providing formation counseling to seminarians; and facilitating healing in private practice with innumerable individuals, couples, and children. One former patient remembered him as "the psychologist with the kind eyes." Through the Lord's guidance, he brought faith-based healing to countless hurting people, rooted in sharing the love and forgiveness of God. Jerry deeply enjoyed bringing his patients closer to God during his therapy and coaching sessions.
Jerry was a devoted, loving, generous, affectionate, forgiving, wise, self-sacrificing husband and father, who modeled for his daughters a beautiful image of the unfathomable self-giving love of our eternal Father in Heaven. He was a faithful provider, protector, wisdom-seeker, priceless gift to his family, and committed man of faith. He is remembered for his determination to overcome patterns of impatience and frustration, and to learn Christ's way of love. He wrote these words: "To love is to seek the happiness of the loved one, even at the expense of one's own happiness. But... when one makes this act of love, he actually finds happiness in making the other [person] happy."
He was a "nutritional guru," who maintained a healthy protocol of organic food and nutritional supplements for many years. He is credited by his family with saving the life of his wife, by researching immune-building supplements like Maitake-D that helped her survive and thrive after surgery and chemo for stage 3 colon cancer. He was a well-known regular at the local Vitamin Shoppe, and was enjoyed by the friendly Trader Joe's staff where he was invariably the last shopper to leave each Friday evening. As he entered the store, many workers would greet him with "Yo, Jer!" -- knowing he would spend more time socializing than shopping!
In his recreational life, he was an avid Scrabble player, golfer, bowler, movie enthusiast, and reader (especially Christian fiction, science fiction, and "joke books"). He greatly enjoyed the outdoors, particularly long walks along the path around Wisconsin's Lake Geneva. He was a joyful wedding dancer; he hit a hole-in-one at Twin Lakes Golf Course in Palatine (exuberantly witnessed by his daughter Diane); and he was a loyal, long-suffering fan of the Cubs and Bears.
His departure from this world is an incalculable loss. His loved ones grieve deeply, but with great hope of a future joyous reunion. "Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints." ~ Psalm 116:15
Prayers are deeply appreciated. A "Celebration of Life" event will take place later in the year.
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Hi Pietrzak family. I'm so sorry for your loss. Having lost my father, I completely understand what you're going through. I remember knowing him when Diane and I were young. He was such a nice, affable man.
Dear Linda and Family, We are so very sorry about the loss of your dear Dad. What a wonderful man he was/is. How you must miss him, and yet we rejoice with you that, because of Jesus, you will see and be with him in glory one day. We pray for the Lord to draw you close to His heart as you trust in Him more than ever. May He truly be your Heavenly Father in all the ways that you most need, especially at this time. Hugs, much love, and blessings to you, from Pam and Tom Wolski
Jerry will long be remembered for his wonderful God - caring ways by all his friends from St. Ailbe’s class of ‘57.
Sorry for your lose! His obituary was uplifting and source of reflection!
Rest in peace Jerry. We were Blackstone ave neighbors