Earl Bakalars

Bakalars, Earl J. “Joe” Of Cedarburg, June 21, 2014 age 81 yrs. Beloved husband of Rita (Nee Knothe). Loving father of Lee (Mark) Shumow, Thomas (Natalia Ivanov) Bakalars, Michael (Suchitra) Bakalars and Mary (Charles Neveu) Bakalars. Proud grandfather of Daniel and Laura Shumow; Elizabeth, Grace and John Neveu; Andres and Patra Bakalars; Anatolia Bakalars. Further survived by his sister LaVonne (James) Wanner, other relatives and friends. Earl was preceded in death by his granddaughter Martha Grace Neveu and sister Phyllis Norwood. Earl was born in LaCrosse, WI on October 1, 1932 the son of the late Joseph and Anna (Nee Klug) Bakalars. Earl was united in marriage to Rita (Nee Knothe) on December 27, 1952 at Blessed Sacrament Church in LaCrosse, WI. Earl was a gifted teacher who served as chairperson of the Social Studies Department at Nicolet High School for many years. He brought global studies to life for his students by travelling the globe, learning about other cultures, inspiring others to travel, advising AFS, and bringing delegates from many countries to share their culture and knowledge with students in the United States. Earl was a member of the National Council for the Social Studies, past president of the WI Council for the Social Studies, founder of the Wisconsin Institute for International Education, cofounder of WEA travel, and a Fulbright scholar. After he retired from his career as an educator, he had an active role in real estate development and management. Earl and his partners, Fritz Rouse and Dick Knothe, built Renee Row near Marquette University, which Earl managed for ten years. They and others had several more developments in the Madison area. He approached his heart disease with courage and diligence. During his protracted struggle to persevere, he was grateful for the help and guidance of his dedicated and caring doctors: Richard Fritz, John Sanidas, and Jack Manley. Memorial Mass on Saturday, July 12 – 11:00AM at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church 1375 Covered Bridge Rd. Cedarburg. Family will receive friends at the church on Sat. from 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM. Memorials to the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra or Cedarburg Public Library Book Fund.