Jerome Wiencek

A candle was lit by Wendy J Wiencek on November 29, 2016 7:23 PM

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Lit a candle in memory of Jerome Wiencek

Message from Herb Jewell

I had the good fortune to be the "new kid" on the SAC Basic Fire Academy's fire control cadre in the early-to-mid-80s - led by Jerry (GGV) - which included Tom (FUL), Ken (FUL) & Jim (BPK). Several hundred young folks got a leg up on their fire service careers from what they learned there - not just the manipulative fire control subject matter, but how to approach work, how to act as a true team member & how to maintain a level head and a positive attitude even when things were (seemingly) circling the drain. Jerry absolutely loved teaching, whether on "the grinder" or in the classroom - and he was very good at it.

Jerry & Gwen are Wisconsinites. So is my wife, Judy. JJ (Judy) and I had the good fortune to share off-duty time together as a foursome with Jerry & Gwen - particularly if the Green Bay Packers - or another NFL "Black & Blue" Division squad - was visitng the Rams at Anaheim Stadium. Of course, getting an invitation to the annual Wiencek-hosted Super Bowl party was always a highlight. They were a great couple to share some of life's journey with over the years. For that we consider ourselves quite blessed.

Jerry was 21 years older than me. Although I learned a lot about the job and life from being around Jerry, what I've always taken to heart is another life code that he lived by . . . "You're never too old to learn new skills, join in new adventures or make new memories."

They don't make men like Jerry Wiencek anymore. He'll be sorely missed and always (fondly) remembered.

JJ & I send our thoughts, prayers & heart out to Gwen, Stephanie, Wendy & Niel at this time.

Herb (& Judy) Jewell
Poulsbo, WA

Message from Dan Malloy

So many wonderful memories of time spent with this great man - riding bikes, dinners and parties, making a racket with the garage band in HB, just stopping by the house to say hi and finding Jerry tinkering in his garage. He never lost that childlike wonder, the sparkle in his eyes. He genuinely enjoyed people and made you feel special. I'm grateful and humbled to remember Jerry Wiencek as a friend.

Message from Stephanie Johnson

My dad always said "leave things better than you found them." If you borrowed a lawn mower, you cleaned it and filled the tank before you returned it. He lived this way - not just with things, but with every person he came in contact with. It was fun to see a hard working waitress light up when she saw his generous tip. He'd go out of his way to give his business to detail oriented people who performed quality work at an honest price. He was very deliberate about how his words and actions build people who are "going the extra mile" to do things right. Throughout my life I got advise, encouragement, and guidance from my dad. Recognition was earned, and support did not mean he'd rescue me. He knew that working through my challenges would, ultimately, make me a stronger, better person...and it did! I am thankful that he let me grow, especially when it was tough. Because of him, I am better!

What a great parent, role model for living, and mentor for teaching! I am proud of my dad, and to honor him I will strive to be more like him in this way-

Leave things- and people- Better!

Proud daughter,
Stephanie

We, Jerry's family, would love you to share how you are BETTER because of him! Thanks for blessing us with your story!

Message from Wendy Wiencek

SORRY EVERYONE - THE SITE PUSHES THE WHOLE "PLEASE SEND GIFTS" THING...PLEASE, DO NOT SEND GIFTS. WITH GRATITUDE, THE WIENCEK FAMILY

Message from Wendy Wiencek

I loved my dad so much. He is the funniest guy I know. We had such fun growing up, going water skiiing, camping, watching him race flat track (motorcycles - on a Hodaka Ace 90), learning how to ride a dirt bike - aka English Trials, boat, car & motorcycle races, long camping trips to Idaho & Wyoming, lots more. He worked hard & played hard. He was my "go-to" guy. I had moved into a little guest house, and he remodeled the kitchen, did all the measuring, bought the cabinetry, countertop, a new sink, and together with my mom and me, we had a really wonderful bonding-time, doing this project together. Then last year, I had an accident and totalled my '98 4Runner. Dad helped me get a replacement 4Runner, a really nice 2000. Thankfully, I got his gifted nose for picking out good cars. I miss him alot already. -Wendy, first born kid (sorry, posted from work, not many pictures on my work computer...will add some more from home later)

Message from Niel J. Wiencek

My father the man of many great accomplishments. Mastered mechanics in his teens. Known in Milwaukee, the Marines, Seal Beach, Long Beach, to have great influence on millions of firemen. For his outstanding work as a Fire Captain in Garden Grove, California foe 28 years, Supervisor of instructors at Crafton Hills College Fire Science division, taught Fire Hydraulics at LBSU, was chosen to help in writing the training manuals Fire Men use today. President of clubs: HB Velo Bicycle club, Plonkers Trials assoc. West Coast and help in development of skill for "Bernie Schrieber" & "Lane Levit" who both became Motorcyle Trials World Champions, and Doughnut Derelics Car club where he's appeared on the News with his Truck and car magazine cover for his old Nova at the time. He's done anything racing motor cycle, boat, and cars. There is more... He di amazing things like the Rav Berg, and all other great Tzaddachim. Thank you Godfor my dad and his Awesome role on this earth. You are a True Hero.

Kaddish:
May His great name be more exalted & sanctified. Amen
In the world He created according to His will, & may His kingdom reign. And may He cause His redemption to sprout & may He bring closer the Messiach. Amen
In your lifetimes & in your days & in the lifetime of all the house of Israel, speedily & in the near future, & shall you say, Amen
May His great name be blessed forever & for all eternity - Blessed and lauded, & glorified, & exalted, & extolled, & honored, & uplifted, & praised be the Name of The Holy Blessed One. Amen
Above all blessings, songs, praises, & words of consolation that may be said in the world, & you shall say, Amen.
Upon Israel, His Sages, Their disciples, & all the students of their disciples who occupy themselves with the Holy Torah, in his place & in each & every location, may there be for us, for them, & for all, grace, kindness, & compassion, from the Master of the Heavens and Earth, & you shall say, Amen.
May there be abundant peace frm Heaven, life, contentment, salvation, consolation, deliverance, healing, redemption, pardon, atonment, comfort, & relief for us and for His entire Nation, Israel, and you shall say, Amen
He, Who makes peace in His High Places, with His compassion He shall make peace for us and for His entire Nation, Israel.
And you shall say, Amen

Message from Mark Hanna

Jerry was a great man. I think about him every day. I was honored to have had him as a mentor as well as a friend. Jerry treated everyone he met as special and taught me a lot about being a good person and I can only aspire to be the man Jerry was. I'm sure he is watching over all of us left behind.
Miss you Jerry,
Mark Hanna

Message from Heritage Memorial Services

14 files added to the album Memories Album

Message from Larry Richards

Jerry and I became friends in 1962,when he started on the Garden Grove Fire department.Although we never worked on the same company,we shared many off duty times. Our families have remained close throughout the last 52 years. Jerry will not be forgotten, as such talented and giving man. His contribution to the Fire Service was far above and beyond the call of duty.We spent many years riding motorcycles and boating,camping. In later years we ,along with other long time friends were able to travel to foreign lands to experience their cultures. we think of Jerry every day and will always miss him. Larry and Diane Richards