IN LOVING MEMORY OF
John
Gawlik
January 9, 1944 – February 4, 2025
Obituary
John M. Gawlik, 81 of West Bend, passed away peacefully on February 4, 2025, following a brief illness. He leaves behind his college buddy and wife of 56 years, Margaret, and 3 sons: Noah (Beth), Josh, and Aaron (Melissa) plus 7 grandchildren. John was very involved with his children, proud of who they became as adults, and supportive of his grandchildren.
"Born to Teach". John had an early career as a union journeyman mechanic in downtown Chicago but was influenced by a movie he saw as a child "Blackboard Jungle" and he said, "I could do that!"
John graduated in 1968 from UW-Stout (attending 3 years, every session, and working to pay tuition). John taught auto mechanics at Cedarburg HS 1968-73, followed by 30 years at West Bend West and East high schools before retiring in 2003. He then enjoyed subbing at several high schools for a few years.
Throughout his career, John identified with 2 main themes: work, and teaching (empowering) young people to go out into the world of work. He always felt he could "relate with" students who especially enjoyed the tech ed classes. Seeing former students in the community, John always asked about their work. And, on a personal level with friends whose cars he fixed, he always wanted to teach them more about their vehicles.
John was involved in the community through the West Bend Jaycees in the 1970's and took pride in his part of starting the WB Minor League Baseball program with other community members. He enjoyed seeing all interested youth able to play on a baseball team and umpired many games.
John was born January 9, 1944, in Chicago to the late John J and Dorthy (Schwartz) Gawlik. His family later moved to Northlake IL where he graduated from West Leyden HS. In addition to his immediate family, John is survived by sister Linda (Bob) Bergman, brother-in-law Ken (Deb) Congdon, plus cousins, nieces, and nephews.
John always enjoyed helping others (or giving away tools). So … in memory of John … please pass on that spirit of helping the next person. If you wish to honor John with a memorial, the family suggests West Bend Columns, PO Box 397, West Bend WI, 53095 or visit the donation portal on their website: wbcolumns.org. Donations marked "In memory of John Gawlik" will be routed toward a scholarship for Technical Education.
According to John's wishes, the plan is for a private burial without a memorial service. To share condolences and tributes, you may visit: phillipfuneralhome.com.
"Born to Teach". John had an early career as a union journeyman mechanic in downtown Chicago but was influenced by a movie he saw as a child "Blackboard Jungle" and he said, "I could do that!"
John graduated in 1968 from UW-Stout (attending 3 years, every session, and working to pay tuition). John taught auto mechanics at Cedarburg HS 1968-73, followed by 30 years at West Bend West and East high schools before retiring in 2003. He then enjoyed subbing at several high schools for a few years.
Throughout his career, John identified with 2 main themes: work, and teaching (empowering) young people to go out into the world of work. He always felt he could "relate with" students who especially enjoyed the tech ed classes. Seeing former students in the community, John always asked about their work. And, on a personal level with friends whose cars he fixed, he always wanted to teach them more about their vehicles.
John was involved in the community through the West Bend Jaycees in the 1970's and took pride in his part of starting the WB Minor League Baseball program with other community members. He enjoyed seeing all interested youth able to play on a baseball team and umpired many games.
John was born January 9, 1944, in Chicago to the late John J and Dorthy (Schwartz) Gawlik. His family later moved to Northlake IL where he graduated from West Leyden HS. In addition to his immediate family, John is survived by sister Linda (Bob) Bergman, brother-in-law Ken (Deb) Congdon, plus cousins, nieces, and nephews.
John always enjoyed helping others (or giving away tools). So … in memory of John … please pass on that spirit of helping the next person. If you wish to honor John with a memorial, the family suggests West Bend Columns, PO Box 397, West Bend WI, 53095 or visit the donation portal on their website: wbcolumns.org. Donations marked "In memory of John Gawlik" will be routed toward a scholarship for Technical Education.
According to John's wishes, the plan is for a private burial without a memorial service. To share condolences and tributes, you may visit: phillipfuneralhome.com.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of John Gawlik, please visit our flower store.
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