On December 26, 2021, Gerald “Gerry” Zalaznik of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin was reunited withhis parents, Fredrick and Marie (Repp) Zalaznik.Gerry was born on September 17, 1956 and lived in North Chicago, Illinois with his parents andsiblings (Janet, Larry, and John) until his graduation from North Chicago Community High Schoolin 1974.After school, Gerry ventured “out West” with his older brother Larry and found work as a loggeron the Olympic Peninsula. After his time in the PNW, he moved back to Illinois where he startedworking as a carpenter. To say Gerry was an extremely meticulous, masterful woodworker would bean understatement. For some years, Gerry worked as a union carpenter, but he eventually landed inthe construction services department at Abbott Laboratories. Gerry took great pride in his work andhelped promote the trades as an active member of the Abbott mentorship program.In 1980, Gerry married Mary Kay Grum of North Chicago, Illinois. Together they built a home inWadsworth, Illinois before moving to Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin. During their marriage, they raisedfour children (Anna, Cara, Anthony, and Rachel).In his leisure time, Gerry enjoyed fishing, mushroom hunting, shopping for “junk” at Value Village,and preparing spectacular family feasts. His Thanksgiving turkey and cornbread stuffing wereperfection, and his barbeque ribs were legendary.In October of 2021, Gerry retired and was looking forward to spending more time with family andfriends.Gerry will be greatly missed by his children: Anna (Jared) Peterson of New Brighton, Minnesota,Cara (Fredrick) Hoppe of Franksville, Wisconsin, Anthony Zalaznik of Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin,and Rachel (Kyle Castle) Zalaznik of Chicago, Illinois; his grandchildren, Vada and MayimPeterson, and Kamryn, Evelynn, Vivian, and Fredrick “Chip” Hoppe; his siblings Janet (Martin)Anderson of Arlington Heights, Illinois, Larry (Debbie) Zalaznik of Walla Walla, Washington, andJohn (Grace) Zalaznik of Dufur, Oregon; his nephews Martin “Andy” (Chelsea) Anderson of OakPark, Illinois, Dave (Allison) Anderson of Huntly, Illinois, and Alex (Deanna) Zalaznik of theDalles, Oregon.A memorial visitation will be held on Saturday, February 5 from 10:00–12:00 at Bonnie Brook Golf Coursein Waukegan, IL. A private family luncheon will immediately follow. Masks required.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th Street Kenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit & Sign Gerald’sOnline Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com