Alexander George Sklenarz

Elm Grove - Alexander George Sklenarz passed away on Thursday, April 9, 2020, at his home in Elm Grove Village, Wisconsin. He was 73 years old. Preceded in death by his Parents, Leopold and Stanislawa (Chciuk) Sklenarz, sisters Krystyna and Barbara, and the love of his life, Wife Jane Brauer, he is survived by his loving Daughter, Elizabeth Ann Thanh Sklenarz; Nephews Gregory (Natalie) Bokota of Crown Point, IN and Paul (Wendy) Bokota of Irvine, CA; Brothers-in law Stanley (Krystyna) Bokota and William (Kathy) Brauer, numerous Cousins and great nieces and nephews, and beloved friends.

Alex was born on May 27, 1946, in Edinburgh, Scotland. His parents were survivors of Joseph Stalin's occupation of Poland in World War II. His Father, a Prosecutor and then a Magistrate in Poland preceding the War, was forced into exile, separated from his wife who was seized with her two young daughters and sent to Siberia. After several years, the couple reunited in England. Tragically, Barbara (age 3) died on the trip out of Siberia.

Alex was born in Scotland in the years of their newfound freedom. In the 1950's, the couple emigrated to Milwaukee where Alex was raised. Alex was a 1964 graduate of Don Bosco High School.

A brilliant man, Alex obtained a Bachelor's Degree from Marquette University and subsequently studied at the University of Wisconsin at Madison, obtaining his Juris Doctorate Degree. He long-served the State and People of Wisconsin, first briefly as a Public Defender, and later as a Milwaukee County Assistant District Attorney for over thirty years.

Alex eventually met Jane, and the canvas of his life was illuminated by her passion, joy and effervescent spirit. They welcomed with joy their Daughter, Elizabeth, who completed their family with immeasurable love and happiness.

Alex had a thirst for knowledge. He was a voracious reader, who could intelligently discuss nearly every topic, from ancient history to astronomy, to modern gadgetry. His anecdotes of work as a Prosecutor were equally fascinating. He loved his Family, his Friends, and this Country. He was generous of heart, mind, and pocket!

Despite his profound heartbreak and sorrow at the passing of his Bride, all those who knew "Al the Pal" will remember his laughter, his smile, his intellect and his boundless generosity. There will simply never be a kinder, more devoted relative or friend than Alex Sklenarz. May he rest in eternal peace.

Private mass to be held with a public memorial to take place at a later date.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Milwaukee Journal Sentinel from Apr. 11 to Apr. 12, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Alexander Sklenarz

Sponsored by Heritage Funeral Home – Milwaukee.

24 Entries

Cheryl Larson

December 19, 2020

Oh Elizabeth, I am so terribly sorry to learn of your dad’s death. I was going to call him in the number didn’t go through, I so missed your mom I worked with her for many years in the book biz. The obituary is absolutely correct I remember being fascinated by Alex, and having sore stomachs after your mom told jokes at dinner, I agree with you and your loss You can contact me anytime my number is 952–237–6671, Cheryl in Minneapolis

Miriam Falk

April 23, 2020

Elizabeth, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with your Dad for many years. He was a wonderful, charming and brilliant gentleman, and he loved you and your Mom more than anything. I think it is entirely accurate to say that your Dad was truly a great man. He will be missed. I am exceptionally grateful that he was a part of my life. I hope you find comfort in his memory and knowing how important you were to him, and how deeply he loved you.

Liz Tomski

April 14, 2020

I worked with Alex during the 70s and 80s in the Milwaukee County DA's Office. He was one of the most generous and kind individuals I have eve met.
One memory I have of him that clearly depicts that generosity is:
Alex was moving from one office to another in the DA's Office. While passing my office with a cartload of his things, he stopped, picked up a radio, plunked it down on my desk and said, Here, you can use this. He gave me a huge, Alex smile and walked out.
Alex is one of those people that leaves a mark on you, a gift you were lucky to have received.
Rest In Peace, Alex

Liz Tomski

April 14, 2020

I worked with Alex at the DA's Office during the 70s and 80s. I never have met a kinder and more generous person than Alex.
His generosity is captured in this particular memory:
Alex was moving to another room in our office. Laden with a cart full of his items which he was moving, he stopped, picked up a radio from the cart, plunked it down on my desk and said, Here, you could use this. He gave me his great big Alex smile and left. I am grateful that I had the gift of knowing him for the time that I did.

Krystyna Zagórska

April 14, 2020

Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about the loss of Alex.
I met Him in 1993 during a 6-week internship for Polish planners in Milwaukee. It's hard to forget a man of such high intelligence, empathy and smile, who had for everyone with whom He had the smallest contact. Honor His memory.
Krystyna Zagórska, Poland

Phillip Arieff

April 13, 2020

Elizabeth; I'm not sure we ever spoke but I believe I saw you in your father's company as a child. Alex was a gentle, empathetic, learned and wise man. His English was totally local without accent; however; after even a short engagement you realized you were dealing with a worldly, cultured and multilingual man, who evoked European academics of a bygone era. His love for you and your late Mother was his true fulfillment and happiness. May you be comforted and may his memory be a blessing.

Stephen Sargent

April 13, 2020

Alex treated criminal defendants with respect. As a defense attorney, I knew he would listen fairly to their sides of the conversation. He understood that many were dealing with extreme disadvantages and difficulties in their lives. I enjoyed talking with him in court about topics outside of law.

Pat Kenney

April 12, 2020

I worked with him for 30 years. My fondest memory of Alex was a trip we took to LaCrosse for a conference. His knowledge of history was very impressive, including many anecdotes which I remember to this day. He was a kind heart who was very proud of his daughter. He will be missed.

Wayne Romeis

April 12, 2020

I first met Alex in high school. He was elected student council president. He was so well liked even then. I worked with him a few times as a police officer when he was with the District Attorney's office. He was so well respected by everyone. An incredible sense of humor who always tried to make everyone's life better. He succeeded. Rest in God's arms my friend.

Dick Klinkowitz

April 12, 2020

A kind man always willing to help. GOD BLESS his soul . We worked together for many years, All who new him loved him

Doris Way

April 12, 2020

My deepest sympathy to you Elizabeth. I got to know your dad through your mom. We worked together with Everyday Math, your mom's passion. I have never met a finer couple; brilliant, generous, compassionate, loving, all laced in great humor. You were the joy of their lives. After you completed their family, I don't recall a conversation that at some point didn't turn to you and how proud of you they were.

D. Michael Guerin

April 12, 2020

obviously a very intelligent guy who would always take the time to visit with folks.
Most notably though he was an exceptionally kind man. Sorry to hear of his passing

John Ferraro

April 12, 2020

Alex was one of the best people I worked with as an MPD Detective and Police Officer. He was an outstanding Asst. D.A. and one of the smartest and interesting people I've ever known. He had a great sense of humor.
He will be missed.

Jim Walrath

April 12, 2020

Alex was a person of goodness, broad knowledge, and humility. In the adversarial, often-splintering setting of our criminal justice system, Alex never lost sight of the effects his decisions would have on the people involved. Peace to Alex, his daughter, and extended family.

Dennis Cook

April 12, 2020

Alex was the kindest, most generous, and smartest person I ever knew. Anyone who interacted with him came away feeling better, greatly entertained, considerably more educated or all of the above. His humorous, self-deprecating narratives of his personal experiences were legendary. His love of his wife and daughter was limitless and he delighted in sharing stories about them. He was a true family man. I never heard of anyone who didn't have some sort of affection for Alex. His absence has and will continue to create a great void in many lives. I am so very glad I was his friend and was able to share time and experiences with him. He was a caring, wonderful, and good man in the truest sense of the words. Alex will be greatly missed.

Judge John and Judge Jean DiMotto

April 12, 2020

Jean and I extend our deepest sympathy to Alex's daughter and his entire family. Alex was a kind, "gentle giant" who would give you the shirt off his back. He was brilliant and one of the best read persons I have ever known. It was an honor to have been his friend for over 45 years.

Jan Chciuk-Celt

April 11, 2020

He was my direct first cousin. An unforgettable character even as a teenager, and a jovial, loveable man. May he rest in peace.

Dan Collins

April 11, 2020

I knew Alex from my years as a detective with Wauwatosa PD. Sorry for your loss. What a warm, personable, gentleman he was. It's humbling to read of his life story here. He will be missed.

Linda Heuvel

April 11, 2020

Worked with Alex on the other side. Very smart kind compassionate man. Deep condolences to his family. He was a memorable man. May he Rest In Peace

David Feiss

April 11, 2020

Alex, was a brilliant, warm, kind , caring man. I was blessed to work within and learn from him for many years. He truly was one of a kind.

Cynthia Walker

April 11, 2020

I worked with Alex in the DAs office I was clerical staff but Alex did not treat anybody any different. He was always generous & kind. I attended his wife visitation he told me I was one of his favorite. My condolences to his family he will truly be missed.

Joanne Hardtke

April 11, 2020

My heart breaks for you, Elizabeth! Your father was one of the kindest, most generous men I have ever known. I will never forget that in my earliest days as an intern in the DA's office, he was always so warm and welcoming, and helpful, even though I was not an intern in his unit. I also remember how, years later, he glowed when he spoke of you! He will be missed by so many. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Rachelle Noon

April 11, 2020

I will never, ever forget this kind and remarkable man! I was fortunate to be his secretary and got to meet his Jane. I cannot ever be grateful for all the stories, books, kindness, sense of humor and wisdom he shared with me. My heart will be forever grateful for having known him.

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