Mary K Korenak

Mary K. Korenak (nee Milakovich), at 90 years of age, passed away peacefully of natural causes on February 12, 2016. She will be deeply missed by her family of six living children (Nova, Maryann, Janet, Greg, Christine, and Jeff), seven grandchildren (Katie, Keri, Kyle, Jessica, Christopher, Andre', and Michaela), and three great-grandchildren (Grace, Abigail and Cayden). Extended family members include spouses and significant others: Neal, John, Gail, Mary, Justin, Dan and Nick. Mary was the daughter of immigrants from Croatia who arrived in Michigan in the early 1920's. She was born in the Upper Peninsula and lived in the small iron-mining town of Ramsay, attending school in nearby Bessemer. Her family moved to West Allis, WI in 1943 after Mary's junior year in high school; although she finished high school in West Allis, she felt most connected to Bessemer High School and attended several of the class of '43 reunions, the last one being the 50th reunion in 1993. In about 1948, Mary and her girlfriend Kay took the train to California, where they lived in Los Angeles and worked for an insurance company. These young gals took fashion seriously, as seen in various photos from their adventure. When Kay found her future husband, Mary decided to return to Wisconsin. In 1951, Mary married Emil J. Korenak, a World War II veteran. After a brief honeymoon at Niagara Falls, the couple drove to California, settling in Long Beach. There, the first of her seven children, Karen, was born in 1952, followed by Nova, Maryann, and Janet. In 1957, Karen was diagnosed with leukemia, which led the family to return to West Allis, WI to be closer to relatives. Sadly, as no treatments were available at the time, Karen died shortly thereafter. Despite this heartbreaking turn of events, Mary continued to provide a loving home for her growing family. Between 1959 and 1962, Gregory, Christine, and Jeffery were born and the family moved several times trying to find suitable living space. Finally, in 1965, the family moved into Emil's father's house after he passed. There, with more space and less stress, the family relaxed into routine, happiness, and growth. Mary began sewing clothing for her family early on and grew to relish the creative process of taking selected fabrics through to completed garment. Mary entered several sewing contests at the Wisconsin State Fair, winning ribbons for her homemade dresses. A familiar sight at the Korenak home was Mary busy at her sewing machine, with her tiny black & white TV tuned to a Milwaukee Braves or Green Bay Packer's game. She also took craft classes and designed and made embroidered pictures that decorated the walls of wherever she lived for many years. She shared her craft enthusiasm with her children, teaching embroidery and crocheting as well as sewing to the girls. Once all the children were in school, Mary began actively pursuing her career as a seamstress. All told, Mary worked 30 years as a seamstress and alterations expert at various bridal dress shops and retail clothing stores in Milwaukee and Greendale, finally retiring when she was 78 years old. When she and Emil divorced, Mary moved the family to Greendale, a decision she often celebrated as one of the best in her long life. Mary loved the village life and could often be seen walking around town, visiting family, or going to work at the Southridge Mall. Since she never learned to drive, she was especially happy with the pedestrian-friendly layout of Greendale. Mary eventually sold the family home to one of the sons, eventually moving into Ridgedale Apartments on Grange Ave. She was a long time member of St. Alphonsus Parish and attended mass regularly as long as she was able. Mary was a faithful servant of God living an honest and humble life. Despite her modest means, she also made regular donations to a number of charitable organizations. With close proximity to her family and her many friends at Ridgedale and Southridge, and daily walks keeping her healthy, Mary lived well and independently until her passing. While the above is a brief outline of Mary Korenak's life, the beauty of this gentle loving soul deserves special attention. Throughout the trials of life, not the least of which was raising six rambunctious children, Mary maintained a calm and down-to-earth demeanor. So rarely did she raise her voice that her children remember each of the specific incidents. Mary was quiet, but determined, independent, and knew what she liked. Her humble, even shy, nature made her a bit difficult to get to know but easy to love. She was a lifelong avid fan of the Milwaukee baseball (Braves, then Brewers) and Green Bay Packer teams, attending games whenever she could. She also loved fashion and kept close tabs on what was "in" and what wasn't. Best of all she was a mother who allowed each of her children to blossom in their own rights, without judgment or drama, she just wanted the best for them and was proud of how they all turned out. Mary will be deeply missed by her family and friends. A Memorial Visitation and Christian Burial Service Mass will be held at St. Alphonsus Church, 6060 W. Loomis Road, Greendale, WI on March 4, 2016. The visitation will be from 9:30AM to 11:00AM, followed by the Mass.