Gerald Pelishek, 94, of Wisconsin Dells, formerly of Darien, passed away peacefully Aug. 31, 2021, at Riverwood Assisted Living following a six-year battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
Private graveside funeral services were held Sept. 3, at the Big Spring Cemetery, rural Wisconsin Dells with the Rev. Robert Hetzel officiating.
Gerald was born June 12, 1927, in Clintonville, 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 II and served on a minesweeper. Honorably discharged at the end of the war, he attended the Wisconsin Institute of Technology in Platteville, and Michigan Tech in Houghton, Mich., 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 Darien Corn Fest 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 traveling. He was ambitious, determined, cordial and had a tremendous amount of knowledge on many topics.
On Dec. 15, 1956, Gerald married Elizabeth Woodruff in Elroy. 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 were just more than he could overcome.
The Picha Funeral Home and Crematory of Wisconsin Dells assisted the family with arrangements.
