Surrounded by family Doris Carol Washak (nee Reese), age 91, passed away peacefully at Azura Memory Care in Eau Claire, WI.
Formerly of Sussex, WI Doris moved to Eau Claire in early 2023 with her late husband (Paul Washak)
She was a remarkable and wonderful person who lived a full and rich life. Born October 7, 1932 to Elmer and Anita Reese in Milwaukee, she grew up there with her younger sister, Amber (Lembke), and graduated from Rufus King high school in 1949. Soon after she started a job at American Motors Corporation working in an office where she met and later married Gilbert Bialk in 1953. They had a happy marriage and raised 4 children in their home on the northwest side of Milwaukee. During those years in the 50's, 60's and 70's Doris was a typical busy mother of four and her house and yard were often filled with numerous kids of all ages from the neighborhood.
Eventually Doris worked several other jobs outside the home as well, being employed by Oster Sunbeam for a number of years, and Shinners Publishing.
Later in life she married Paul Washak and they moved to a house in Pewaukee where they enjoyed gardening and hosting many corn roasts and parties for friends, coworkers, neighbors and family. They later moved to Sussex. There she enjoyed taking care of her pet Huskies as well as a couple of adopted cats and continued to enjoy getting together with family and friends. Doris enjoyed taking care of her flower and vegetable gardens and was generous with harvests. She liked to can and everyone loved her homemade dill pickles. Doris also liked to travel and see new places when she could. She had been to Alaska, Canada, Florida, Mexico, Arizona and enjoyed a few birthday trips to Las Vegas with family, in addition to many trips over the years "up north" to visit family and friends. She loved to be in the company of family, especially all the grandchildren. She had a great sense of humor, was a fan of Frank Sinatra and loved to dance. Her big heart and generous spirit is and will be deeply missed.
Doris is survived by her loving and devoted children Mike (Betty) Bialk of Chippewa Falls, WI, Pat (Larry) Roeder of Fall Creek, WI, Kathy Perszyk of Sussex, WI and Mary (Steve) Schneider of Menomonee Falls, WI;
Wonderful loving grandchildren Tina (Jeramie) Carbo, Nicole (Mike) Reece, Jess Gretzlock, Becky (Jason) Atha, Kathryn Perszyk (Riley Feldmann) and Valerie Perszyk; Precious great-grandchildren Morgan Gretzlock, Austin Gretzlock, Audrey Herlache, Hayleanna Reece, and baby Shay Atha; Sister Amber Lembke of Hartford, WI as well as nieces and nephews. Further survived by many friends and former neighbors especially in the Sussex area.
Preceding Doris in death were her parents Elmer Reese and Anita Schnese, husband Paul Washak, son-in-law Maynard Perszyk and infant grandson William.
The family would like to express their most sincere gratitude for the compassion, love and wonderful care she received by the Care Team during her time at Azura Memory Care as well as the Interim Healthcare Hospice team. We appreciate the love and support you have given us as a family during this time.
Private interment will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials to The Humane Society.
The Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at
www.cremationsociety-wi.com
.
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