Obit: Wnek, Jerome Leon (1938 - 2015)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Wnek, Piwoni, Malinowski, Mason, Raffetto, Zais, Lorenz, Kempf, Kowalski

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 10/28/2015

Wnek, Jerome Leon (25 July 1938 - 25 October 2015)

Jerome L. Wnek, age 77, passed away Sunday, October 25, 2015, at Ministry Saint Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, October 30, 2015, at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Thorp. Rev. Janusz Kowalski will officiate and burial will follow in New St. Hedwig’s Catholic Cemetery. Pallbearers will be: Jesse Wnek, Shawn Wnek, Jeremy Wnek, Brent Mason, Bryan Mason and Craig Mason. Honorary Pallbearers will be Caitlin Wnek, Danielle Wnek and Arianna Mason. Allison and Dominic Raffetto will be carrying up offertory. Visitation will be held at Thorp Funeral home on Thursday, October 29, 2015, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., with a 7:30 rosary service. Visitation will also be held at the church, on Friday, from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.

Jerome Leon Wnek was born on July 25, 1938, in the Town of Withee, rural Thorp, to John and mary (Piwoni) Wnek. Jerry attended Thorp area schools, and he graduated from Thorp High School in 1956. After graduating, he enlisted and served in the Army National Guard. Jerry was a member of the Jolly Six Polka Band when he met his loving wife Mary Ann Malinowski. Jerry and Mary Ann were married on April 23, 1960. The two bought a farm in Thorp and continued to farm until retirement. Jerry enjoyed watching his Chicago Cubs, hunting with his sons and grandsons, and listening to polka music. Jerry especially enjoyed spending time with his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Sunday gatherings at Grandpa Jerry and Grandma Mary Ann’s will not be the same without him and his clever remarks and addictive smile.

Jerome is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Wnek of Thorp; four children: Richard “Bubba” (Max) Wnek of Thorp, Terry (Lori) Wnek of Thorp, Tim (Lisa) Wnek of Amana, IA, and Debra Mason of Stanley; 12 grandchildren; Jesse (Jessica) Wnek, Shawn (Terri) Wnek, Jeremy Wnek, Caitlin Wnek, Danielle Wnek, Brent (Taylor) Mason, Bryan Mason, Craig (Kelsie) Mason, Arianna Mason, Bobbi Jo (Louie) Raffetto and Brynn (Michael) Zais & Amy Lorenz; eight great-grandchildren: Ariana and Aleigh Kempf, Wyatt and Isabella Wnek, Bradyn and Emree Wnek, and Allison and Dominic Raffetto. He is further survived by his brother Marion (Donna) Wnek of Wittenburg, WI; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, John and Mary Wnek.

Online condolences may be expressed at: www.cuddiefh.com.  Thorp Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.