Gerald Pelishek, age 94, of Wisconsin Dells, formerly of Darien, WI, passed away peacefully August 31, 2021 at Riverwood Assisted Living following a six-year battle with Alzheimer’s Disease.
Private graveside funeral services were held on Friday, September 3, 2021 at the Big Spring Cemetery, rural Wisconsin Dells with Reverend Robert Hetzel officiating.
Gerald was born June 12, 1927 in Clintonville, Wisconsin, the third of eight children of Leon and Emma (Leibert) Pelishek. After graduating from high school, Gerry immediately volunteered for the Navy in World War Two and served on a mine sweeper. Honorably discharged at the end of the war, he attended the Wisconsin Institute of Technology in Platteville, and Michigan Tech in Houghton, MI, studying engineering. He then pursued a career as Engineering Aide for the U.S. Forest Service, Civil Aeronautics Administration, and various construction companies. He formed, developed and operated Pelishek Contracting, Inc for many years and later formed Pelishek’s Fine Jewelry. He was a developer who welcomed many new businesses to his home community of Darien. Gerry served as Commander of the Darien Legion Post 450; developed the Pelishek/Tiffany Nature Trail; helped organize the Darien Corn Festival and was a long-term participant in the “Table of Knowledge” at the local restaurant. His other interests included horses, farming, planting trees and flowers, and travelling. He was ambitious, determined, cordial, and had a tremendous amount of knowledge on many topics.
On December 15, 1956 Gerald married Elizabeth Woodruff in Elroy, Wisconsin. One month later he was badly injured when an oil heater exploded and shattered his leg. Infection nearly killed him and the next eight years he worked either in a wheelchair or on crutches. During this time they moved to Williams Bay, Delavan, and then to a farm near Darien where he pursued his many hobbies.
Gerald was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Beth and brothers, Leon, Robert, Raymond, Charles, Daniel, and Howard. In addition to many nieces and nephews, Gerry is survived by his brother, David and sisters-in-law, Peggy and Doris.
It is difficult to sum up the life of such a remarkable man in a few words. Anyone who met him would recognize a tremendous intellect and determination to accomplish things. He never retired, and last summer was planting trees for his new project, honeybees. His disease, and the loss of Beth only a few days ago was just more than he could overcome.
The Picha Funeral Home and Crematory of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin assisted the family with arrangements. For on-line condolences and information, go to www.pichafuneralhome.com.