Eli James Jereczek, 24 of Duluth, Minnesota, spent a short time with us and left too soon, on May 16, 2026. He had many dreams and desires left to fulfill.

Born in South Korea on July 9, 2001, Eli was adopted eight months later by his family in Duluth, MN. He attended Northstar Academy and graduated from Duluth East High School in 2019. He was attending the University of Minnesota, Duluth, pursuing a degree in mathematics. We are deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved Eli, as he was loved by his large extended family, many friends and neighbors, his Jersey Mike’s coworkers, and members of his communities.

For those who knew him, many will remember his varied interests and love of exploring the unknown. With his infectious smile and warm personality, he illuminated every room he entered. Eli was incredibly talented in many areas. When Eli decided to learn something new, he researched and executed that skill with confidence and vigor. He started playing piano at age 5, practiced entirely on his own and became an accomplished pianist, participating in many recitals. As a high school junior, Eli was selected to perform in "Duluth's Got Talent” contest.

Growing up with Hartley woods in his backyard, Como ballpark a few blocks away, and the Big Lake just down the road, Eli’s adventures were endless. He played baseball for six summers with Duluth Eastern Little League, participated in the city of Duluth soccer league, and skied with the Duluth East High School cross country ski team. His primary love was mountain biking with the Duluth East Mountain Bike team. As a junior, he participated in the Minnesota Mountain Biking State Meet, finishing in 3rd place.

Eli loved the outdoors. When winter arrived, he spent many cold nights at Chester Bowl. He raced in the alpine ski events, volunteered as a ski cadet, and helped design the ski rails park course. Also during the summer months Eli worked as counselor with the Chester Bowl Summer Camps.

During his high school summers he rose early to get himself to the shores of Lake Superior on Park Point. He regularly biked eight miles to the Duluth Rowing Club, rowed for two hours and biked back up the Woodland Avenue hill to home! He convinced a number of rowing friends to join him biking, knowing that when they headed home, the Dairy Queen was on the way. After rowing they would all stop, buy the $5 deal, and drink the unlimited pop option. If Mom were driving, this would never happen!

When it came to issues with computers and cars, Eli was always up for the challenge. A technical wizard navigating computers, complex systems, and multiple devices, he recently completed both the Cyber Security and Cyber Defense certifications from Lake Superior College. On his free weekends he raced (and drifted) his red sports car in Brainerd, MN. When the car was exhausted and beat up, he’d fix it up, zip-tie the front end together and next month he’d take it out for another spin.

In his most recent spring break trip to Florida, he flew an airplane, golfed, surfed, kayaked, went go-cart racing and spent the time of his life with his roommates and buddies–who absolutely adored him.

A bright, intelligent and dedicated student at UMD, Eli was pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, with hopes of taking flying lessons and exploring aeronautical engineering.

Eli was full of life, energized by everything he pursued and adored by those who loved him. He will be remembered by his welcoming spirit, his enlightened curiosity, his sincere friendship and the warmth he shared with those who surrounded him. He will be terribly missed, but never forgotten. 

In honor of our precious son, a Memorial Service & Celebration of Life is scheduled for Thursday, June 4, 2026, at the Cremation Society of Minnesota at 4100 Grand Avenue, Duluth, MN 55807. 

Visitation (3-4:30pm); Service (4:30-5:00pm); Celebration of Life (5:00 - 6pm)

He is survived by his parents Diana and John Jereczek, sibling Cecilia Kuenzli (Connor), grandfather Micheal Jereczek (Jan); an extended family of many many aunts, uncles & cousins, and neighbors, close friends and his loving girlfriend, Leo.

In lieu of flowers, in honor of our son, donations can be made to Chester Bowl Improvement Club, Duluth Rowing Club or University Minnesota of Duluth Foundation.