John J. Walechka

Pacific Township – John J. Walechka, age 84, passed away unexpectedly on Tuesday, November 14, 2017, at his home in Pacific Township.

John was born on February 18, 1933, in Gourley Township, MI, the son of Bohumil and Anna (Janofski) Walechka. He proudly served his country as a member of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers during the Korean Conflict. After the Army, John lived in Milwaukee where he met and married Trudy Kennedy. They were married for 54 years and lived in Palmyra where they raised their 5 children before moving to the Portage area.  He worked for Allen-Bradley in Milwaukee for 35 years and later worked for Jenkins Motors and Hill Ford in Portage.  He was a member of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage. 

He is survived by his wife, Trudy Walechka of Pacific Township; children, Christopher Walechka of Portage, Tracy Walechka of Oregon, Katie (Eric) Farness of Oregon, Nicolas Walechka of Pardeeville, David (Amanda) Walechka of Waterford; brothers, Raymond (Gloria) Walechka of West Allis, Frank (Lynn) Walechka of Carney, MI; sister, Ione (Harvey) DePas of Hartford; grandchildren, Marissa and Kyleigh Walechka, Maxwell and Jakob Farness, Leah and Abby Manicor, Gabriel and Colin Walechka; other relatives and many friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Marilyn Gronmark.   

In addition to being with his family, John loved spending time during the Fall season hunting partridge and deer in the woods of Upper Michigan, watching Nascar racing and anything to do with cars. His family will miss his warmhearted smile, laugh and expert advice on cars. 

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Portage on Saturday, November 25, 2017, at 12:00 noon, with Fr. Gary Krahenbuhl presiding. Inurnment will be private. Visitation will be at the church from 10:00 a.m. until 11:45 a.m., followed by words of remembrance, and the Liturgy beginning at 12:00 noon.

Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage is assisting the family.