Obit: Jarolimek, John Sr. (1921 - 2015)

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

Surnames: Jarolimek, Horak, Fleming, Swierczek, Frary, Nelson

----Source: Banner Journal (Black River Falls, Jackson Co., WI) 1/20/2016

Jarolimek, John Sr. (26 May 1921 - 10 May 2015) With Flag

John Jarolimek Sr. passed away from complications of respiratory failure May 10, 2015, with his wife of 71 years at his side. He was born May 26, 1921, to Joseph and Mary (Horak) Jarolimek of Merrillan and spent his early years on the family farm. John met his lifetime soul mate Mildred Fleming, at the State Teacher’s College at River Falls, where he was completing his Bachelor’s degree in education.

In 1943, and the onset of WWII, John enlisted in the Marine Corps and served in the 2nd Marine Division in the Pacific Theatre and at Quantico, VA. It was there he and Mildred got married.

After the war, he worked as an elementary school teacher and principal in Wisconsin Public Schools. Subsequently, he was named principal of the Campus Laboratory School at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. After completing a PhD at the University of Minnesota, he served on the faculties of San Diego State College, UCLA and the University of Hawaii as visiting professor in the summer of 1963.

He became a member of the College of Education faculty at the University of Washington in 1962. During his tenure, he served as professor and for many years was chairman of curriculum and instruction. He retired in 1984.

John was nationally and internationally recognized as a specialist and prolific writer in the field of social studies education. His textbooks and numerous professional articles have been widely read by educators and students across the country.

He was an active member of the national Council of the Social Studies throughout his professional career and served as its president in 1971.

John was a devoted, considerate husband and a loving and supportive father and grandfather. His grandchildren were his greatest joy. He had a quick wit and sometimes a “corny” sense of humor and enjoyed laughter from wherever it came.

John and Mildred made their home in Bothell for 50 years and have been members of the St. Brendan Catholic Parish since 1962. Four years ago, they moved to Fairwinds Brittany Park in Woodinville, WA.

John woke up every morning just happy to be alive, singing or whistling a happy tune. He had many interests and was a natural musician. He was a well-known local musician from the 1930s through 1950s. He enjoyed celebrating life with friends and family and sharing his music with them. For many years, he volunteered his time playing his concertina for happy hour at assisted living centers in the area. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife Mildred of Woodinville; sister Sylvia Swierczek, of Minneapolis, MN; and two sons, John Jr. (Lauris) of Mount Vernon, WA, and Joel (Pam) of Ketchum, ID; and grandchildren, Chenoa Jarolimek, Colin Jarolimek, Spencer Frary (Debby) and Andrew Nelson.

A funeral mass was held June 4, 2015, at St. Brendan Catholic Church in Bothell, WA, at 11 a.m. followed by a reception at the church.

Memorials may be sent in John’s name to University of Wisconsin-River Falls Foundation, 310 South Hall 410 Third St. River Falls WI 54022 or to a charity of choice.