John A Jalinski

John Anthony Jalinski, 86, of Minocqua, Wisconsin, passed away on February 2nd, 2025. He was born November 18, 1938, in Wausau Wisconsin, to Edwin and Gertrude (Westphal) Jalinski. John spent his childhood in Wausau, attended Saint Michal’s Catholic Grade School, and graduated from Newman Catholic High School in 1957. He only left his hometown to join the US Army in 1959. His was honorably discharged as SFP, on May 31st, 1963. He met his wife, Carol, in June of 1960, and married October 28, 1961. 

He worked for Steinagel Concrete from 1960 to 1963, pouring sidewalks and curbs for various towns and cities in the Wausau area. He worked his way up to concrete work for basements and garages. He then transitioned into a career with the United States Postal Service in 1963. He retired as Postmaster of the Harshaw Wisconsin Post Office in 1992, after 29 years of postal service. He elected to retire at the age of 53, after receiving an artificial heart valve. He vowed to make the most of the time he had left, knowing his heart valve would not last long (or so the doctors told him).

He set out to help friends and family with the time he had remaining. In his retirement he built a new house, finishing the basement, plus built a garage, completed multiple basement projects for his children. He’s built decks, firepits, poured cement sidewalks, and always needed a project on the horizon to keep him active.

When he wasn’t “working” during his retirement, he spent his time with his 10 grandchildren, and one great grandchild. The enjoyed attending as many of their sports and school activities as he could. He also kept busy with his garden, growing a bounty of fresh blueberries and raspberries each year. During the snowy northern Wisconsin winters he was the only neighbor on the block who’s driveway was always 100% clear of snow.

In his 30+ years of retirement, he was dedicated to serving the needs of others. He served as Financial Secretary with the Knights of Columbus for 13 years, resigning in 2011. He prepped meals for Meals on Wheels. He also made 25,011 rosaries from 1994 to 2024, sending them off to various missions around the world. 

He is survived by his wife, Carol Rae Jalinski (Egle), Minocqua, son, Christopher Jalinski (Mary), daughter, Dawn (Jeff) Wenzel, daughter Rose (Phil) Newman, son Daniel (Trista) Jalinski, and daughter, Bride (Chad) Curtis. Also survived by his twin brothers, Dale (Phyllis) Jalinski, and David (Bonnie) Jalinski. We know that John was met at heaven's gate by his mother, father, brothers Thomas (Sandy) Jalinski, and James (Anne) Jalinski, maternal grandparents, (Anthony and Mary Westphal) paternal grandparents, (Joe “Jumbo” Jalinski and Cecilia Sczepaniak.)

Visitation for John will be held on Saturday, February 8th from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Holy Family Catholic Church in Woodruff, WI with a Funeral Mass at 11:00 am. Burial will take place at Northwoods National Cemetery in Harshaw, WI.

Online condolences may be shared at nimsgernfuneral.com

NIMSGERN FUNERAL & CREMATIONS SERVICES IS SERVING THE FAMILY.