JAMES L. WANASEK

James L. Wanasek, 70, Burlington, died Feb. 23, 2012, at his home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born Feb. 19, 1942, to the late Louis and Bernice (Alby) Wanasek in Burlington where he was a lifetime resident.

On May 1, 1965, he married Pamela Pella at Plymouth Congregational Church.

He was owner and operator of the Wanasek Corporation. He was very involved with the Burlington Community and spent endless hours donating his time and talent to improve the community his family lived in. He was on various boards and committees. He was a member of the Plymouth Congregational Church, Kiwanis, Wisconsin Underground Contractors, Tri County Contractors, Fred’s 9 a.m. Coffee Club, Browns Lake Yacht Club and on the committee of Chocolate City Festival.

He received the Wisconsin Hometown Hero Award presented by the Wisconsin State Assembly and many other awards in honor of his service to Burlington, including Rotary Humanitarian of the Year, Kiwanis Frank Tobin Award, Kiwanis Distinguished Service Award, Kiwanis Legion of Honor, Racine Journal Times Community Service Award and the Rotary Paul Harris Fellowship Award.

He went above and beyond the call to promote, support and contribute to the children’s activities in the Burlington Community. In his spare time, he enjoyed woodworking but most of all he valued and treasured the time he spent with his family and friends.

Survivors include his wife of 46 years; children, John (Leslie) Wanasek, Burlington, Barbara (Dhirendra Rawat) Wanasek, Jersey City, N.J., grandchildren, Serena, Sara, Olivia, Devon and Ian Wanasek of Burlington, and Shaan Rawat of Jersey City; brothers-in-law, Robert Mischka and John  (Sandy) Pella; nieces; nephews and numerous friends,

He was further preceded in death by his sister Mary Mischka and nephews.

Visitation is Thursday, March 8, from 4 p.m. until time of memorial service at 6 p.m. at Veterans Terrace at Echo Park, 588 Milwaukee Ave. Burlington. The Rev Bob Wang will officiate. A Celebration of Life reception will follow from 7-9 p.m. Schuette-Daniels Family Funeral Home, Burlington, is assisting the family.

In Lieu of flowers the family has suggested memorials be made to the Burlington Community Fund P.O. Box 546, Burlington, WI 53105 in memory of James to benefit youth and other local community activities.