John T Paleka

With heavy hearts and gratitude for a life well lived, we announce the passing of John T. Paleka, who peacefully left us on June 24, 2026, in Burlington, Wisconsin. Born on July 10, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, John was the beloved son of the late Thomas and Grgica "Gertrude" (Karaban) Paleka. His life, spanning nearly a century, was marked by unwavering devotion to family, faith, community, and the passions that brought him—and all who knew him—great joy.

John grew up in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood and graduated from Gage Park High School. After attending technical school, he began his career as an aircraft mechanic with Capital Airlines and later United Airlines at Midway Airport. It was there that he met Sandra Coffey, a Braniff Stewardess, the woman who would become his beloved wife and partner of more than 64 years. They were married on February 3, 1962, in Chicago, Illinois.

They settled in Hickory Hills, where they raised their three children. In 1971, they built their dream home in Spring Grove, Illinois, where they lived for the next 45 years before moving to Rochester, Wisconsin.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Sandra; his children, Renee (Clifford) Thomas, John (Valerie) Paleka, and Kurk (Kim) Paleka; and his grandchildren, Kayla (David) Fleckenstein, Jonathan (Camila) Paleka, Allison Paleka, Samantha Jentsch, Morgan Thomas, Hanna Thomas, Alexandra Paleka, and Christina Paleka, each of whom brought him immense joy and countless reasons to be proud. He is also survived by his cherished great-grandchildren, Bjorn and Ronan Bond, and Claire and Lucy Fleckenstein.

John also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Martha "Jo" Paleka, widow of the late Joseph Paleka, and Bruce Wright, partner of the late Frank Paleka.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his siblings, Mary (George) Kalmeta-Rusnak, Eleanor (Tony) Skeva-Boettcher-Churlin, twin brothers Joseph Paleka, and Frank Paleka.

John was deeply devoted to his faith and community as a Charter Member and proud Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus at St. Peter's Church, where he also served as an usher. A lifelong enthusiast of vintage automobiles and aviation, he restored a 1931 Ford Model A, earned his pilot's license, and enjoyed sharing stories of flying and the friendships he made along the way. An avid golfer, longtime member of Twin Lakes Country Club, and devoted Chicago White Sox fan, John fondly recalled his boyhood days at old Comiskey Park, helping count tickets sparked a lifelong love of sports and provided many cherished memories.

Above all, John was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather whose greatest joy came from the people he loved.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, June 28, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home, 620 Legion Drive, Twin Lakes, Wisconsin. An additional visitation will take place on Monday, June 29, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter's Catholic Church, 2118 Main Street Road, Spring Grove, Illinois, immediately followed by a Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow at St. Peter's Cemetery.

Memorial donations in John's memory may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or St. Peter's Catholic Church.

The Haase-Lockwood & Associates Funeral Home and Crematory of Twin Lakes is honored to serve the Paleka family.