John Jarolimek Sr.

John Jarolimek, Sr, passed away from complications of respiratory failure on May 10, 2015, with his wife of 71 years at his side. He was born on May 26, 1921, to Joseph and Mary Horak Jarolimek of Merrillan, Wisconsin, and spent his early years on the family farm.

John met his lifetime soulmate, Mildred Fleming, at the State Teacher’s College at River Falls, WI, where he was completing his bachelor’s degree in education.

In 1943 and the onset of WWII, John enlisted in the Marine Corps and served in the 2nd Marine Division in the Pacific Theatre, and at Quantico, VA. It was there that he and Mildred were married.

After the war, he worked as an elementary school teacher and principal in Wisconsin public schools. Subsequently, he was named principal of the Campus Laboratory School at the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis. After completing a Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota, he served on the faculties of San Diego State College, UCLA, and the University of Hawaii as visiting professor in the summer of 1963.

He became a member of the College of Education faculty at the University of WA, in 1962. During his tenure at UW, he served as professor and for many years was Chairman of Curriculum and Instruction. He retired in 1984.

John was nationally and internationally recognized as a specialist in the field of social studies education and he was a prolific writer in the field for the Macmillan Publishing Company. His textbooks and numerous professional articles have been widely read by educators and students across the country.

He was an active member of the National Council of the Social Studies throughout his professional career and served as its president in 1971.

John was a devoted, considerate husband, and a loving and supportive father and grandfather. His grandchildren were his greatest joy. He had a quick wit and sometimes a “corny” sense of humor, and enjoyed laughter from wherever it came.

John and Mildred made their home in Bothell for 50 years and have been members of the St. Brendan Catholic Parish since 1962. Four years ago they moved to Fairwinds Brittany Park in Woodinville, WA.

John woke up every morning just happy to be alive, singing or whistling a happy tune. He had many interests and was a natural musician. He enjoyed celebrating life with friends and family and sharing his music with them. For many years he volunteered his time playing his concertina for happy hour at assisted living centers in the area. He will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife, Mildred, of Woodinville, sister Sylvia Swierczek of Minneapolis, and two sons, John, Jr. (Laurie) of Mount Vernon, WA, and Joel (Pam) of Ketchum, ID, and grandchildren Chenoa Jarolimek, Colin Jarolimek, Spencer Frary (Debby), and Andrew Nelson.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on June 4, 2015 at St. Brendan Catholic Church in Bothell, WA at 11:00, followed by a reception at the church.

In lieu of flowers, please send memorials in John’s name to University of Wisconsin-River Falls Foundation, 310 South Hall, 410 Third St., River Falls, WI, 54022, or to a charity of your choice.