Jerry

It is of great sadness that we announce the passing of Jerome A. Malek at the age of 87. Jerry was embraced by the hands of God and entered Eternal Life on Sunday, February 20, 2022. Jerry was born on his family's farm September 1, 1934 in the small town of Rosholt, WI. He graduated from Rosholt High School in 1953 with many accolades in track, architecture and design. After high school, Jerry attended Wisconsin State College - Stevens Point and then proudly served in the US Army from 1955 - 1957. He was stationed in Fort Sheridan, IL as an Army Radar Intelligence Operations Specialist. After his military service he returned to WI and enrolled in Marquette University and UW-Milwaukee, achieving multiple Bachelors and Associates degrees in Business and Architecture. While in school at Marquette University he met his beautiful bride and love of his life, Mary Ann Witt, daughter of Dr. Stephen Witt and Josephine Witt of Chicago, IL. Introduced by lifelong faithful friend, Dennis Liebe. They married on August 8, 1964. Jerry worked for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation as a real estate appraiser and supervisor for over 40 years. He became a lifelong, self-taught builder and skilled craftsman, having built and remodeled several houses, barns and even had a hand in the development of Miller Park. One of his greatest life accomplishments was being one of the original founders, designers and owners of Root River Lanes (Root River Center) in Franklin, WI along with one of his best friends, Jim Machnik. Jerry worked his day job at the WI DOT, but in his off hours he continuously nurtured the bowling alley that he helped bring to life. His idea for sandpit volleyball leagues was a first for a bowling alley in all of Wisconsin. He also added much unique character to the building itself with design elements such as a crafted mural of the Root River Parkway which flanked the walls alongside the lanes, as well as many other unique characteristics that made Root River Lanes a unique establishment in the 80’s and beyond. We were all so very proud of the dream he made a reality. He was also a devout parishioner of Saint Alphonsus Catholic Church in Greendale, WI for almost 50 years and a part of their Architectural Committee helping to design the new church. In his later years his love for singing and his strong Polish heritage led him to join the church Polish choir where he proudly sang in the Christmas mass in 2019. Jerry was also on the Planning Commission for the Village of Greendale for many years and most recently he was nominated to the Portage County Fair/Rosholt Fair Association Board of Directors. He brought special attractions to the fair such as hot air balloon rides, helicopter rides, a mechanical bull and a first ever laser light show. Jerry is survived by his beloved wife Mary Ann of 57 years and his 4 devoted children; Michele (Ray) Grandlich, Gary Malek, Michael Malek, Randall (Stacey) Malek, and 5 wonderful grandchildren; Sierra, Alexa, Justus, Andrew and Everest. Further survived by brothers Joseph (Linda) Malek Jr. and Richard Malek, as well as sister-in-law Arlene Malek (wife of Donald Malek). He is lovingly preceded in death by his parents Joseph Sr. and Martha Malek, his sister, Irene Wanserski, his brother-in-law, Danny Wanserski, his brother Donald Malek and his sister-in-law, Rosanna Malek (wife of Richard Malek). He was loved by many other very special nieces, nephews and family members. Jerry was a wonderful example of love and generosity to those around him. He was a loving family man who always enthusiastically claimed his greatest joy in life was his family. He was a faithful and devout Catholic and reminded his family of his continuous love until the very end. He was a true blessing to his wife, family and friends and will be dearly missed. The family would like to thank all of the wonderful nurses, caregivers and staff members of New Perspective Senior Living in Franklin and Vitas Hospice for all of their kind and compassionate care of Jerry. Mass for Jerry will be held at 11:30AM at St. Alphonsus Catholic Church - 6060 W Loomis Rd, Greendale, WI - on Saturday, March 12, 2022. Friends and family may gather to share memories and pay their respects from 9:30AM until 11:15AM on Saturday at the church. Full Military Honors will be held directly following mass. A formal burial at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, WI will take place at a future date. Everyone is welcome to join the Malek family with a Celebration of Life for Jerry immediately following mass and the Military Honors at: Root River Center - 7220 W Rawson Ave, Franklin, WI.