Geraldine "Jeri" Dorothy Pawlak

Geraldine "Jeri" Dorothy Pawlak

Geraldine "Jeri" Dorothy Pawlak (nee Kraft) was born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on December 21, 1927, the daughter of Erwin and Helen (nee Saladin) Kraft. She worked in her younger years at Borden's Gridly Ice Cream on 4th and McKinley Ave. In 1946, she met the love of her life, Walter Pawlak, while attending a dance at the YMCA, 610-626 N. Jackson St. That night when she came home her mother coyly asked "and who did YOU meet tonight?" They fell in love and were married on June 7, 1947, enjoying life together as a couple and parents until Walter's death on June 8, 1984.

On July 31, 1949 their first child was born, Glenn Donald. Jeri became a stay at home mom while Walter worked at Milwaukee Solvay Coke Company. Life was good but was to become even better on March 14, 1951, when Nancy Harriet was born. Jeri knew she was blessed with a boy and  a girl, but this story is not finished. Jeri and Walter loved children so much, seen as gifts from God, that they had three more children: Dale Casmir born December 30, 1953, Alan John born October 23, 1956, and Brian Anthony born January 21, 1959.

Her story continues with all of her wonderful, cherished grandchildren: Matthew (Dana), Christopher (Wendy), Molly, Amy (Brad), Jenniann (David), Angela (Arlee III), Christine, Rita (Armando), Abigail and Emily. But wait, there's more! Her great-grandchildren: Meghan (Michael), Emma, Alyssa, James, Ella, Claire, Gage, Rylee, Jett, Marissa (Tyler), Tyler, Savannah, Alexis (Dominic), JayLa, Jason Jr., Jayden, Armando Jr., Arielle, Aiyanna, Anthony and Roman. So you may think we are done, but wait, there's more! Her great-great-grandchildren: Ethan and Samantha. This is her life story and the legacy she leaves!!!! 

Jeri is survived by her children, Glenn (Patricia) Pawlak, Nancy Pawlak, Dale Pawlak, Alan (Terri) Pawlak and Brian (Anna) Pawlak; her 10 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren; other relatives and many friends.  

Visitation will be held for Jeri on Saturday, January 20, 2018, from 11:00am until the time of services at 1:00pm, all at Jelacic Funeral Home, 5639 West Hampton Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53218. She will be buried in a private ceremony next to her husband Walter at Wood National Cemetery in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, donations to Catholic Charities - Adult Day Center, 1919 North 60th Street, Wauwatosa, Wisconsin 53208, requested by the family.

May She Rest in Peace. Amen.

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