Victor "Vic" W. Maslakow

Visitation will be held on Thursday, September 28th 2023 at 9:00AM at the Pisarski Community Funeral Home of Plover, 2911 Plover Rd, Plover.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 at St. Bronislava Catholic Church, 3400 Plover Rd, Plover, with the Very Reverend Ed Shuttleworth presiding.

Victor William Maslakow passed away peacefully at his home in Plover, WI, on Thursday, September 7th with his loving family beside him.

Victor was born June 26, 1929, to his first-generation American parents who immigrated from Russia.  The family grew up in Watertown, WI and eventually they moved to Madison, WI.  During Victor's early years he devoted his time and energy to helping his Mom and Poppa with learning our language, paying the bills and running errands.  When he wasn't so occupied, he worked part time jobs and used any remaining time to delve into books and reading.

Eventually Victor became a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison under the Reserve Officer Training Corps program and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in foreign languages.  At the same time, he was advanced to Fort Gordon Georgia as a 2nd Lieutenant, where he served as Troop Training Officer and Platoon Leader.  He also served in the Military Government, Civil Affairs Company, and as Public Welfare Officer where he was promoted to 1st Lieutenant.

Outstanding results from two major exercises resulted in his being recommended for the Army Languages School.  For 52 weeks, he completed studies in Chinese-Mandarin, the principal language of China and was assigned to serve in Korea.

Before leaving for Korea, Victor visited his Alma Mater at the UW Madison campus where he met his soulmate, Mary Lou Gollon, and proposed marriage before leaving for his next assignment.  However, his ever-cautious Mary Lou suggested they continue their relationship via air mail.  Victor not only never missed sending a letter each day but also took lessons in Catholicism to convert from Greek Orthodox and set the date before returning to the U.S.

While in Korea Vic served as Executive Officer and as Commander of one of the two U.S. Army Military Police Units.  Vic worked closely with the Korean Community to support the building and maintenance of an orphanage for the community.  He was awarded the Korean Defense Service medal.  He was then assigned to Camp Militaire, Fontenet, Charente, Maritime France from 1958-1962.  There he served as Provost Marshal, Military Police Detachment Commander, Foreign Labor Service Liaison Officer and Dependent School Officer.  He had only 3 weeks leave before moving on to his next assignment at Fort Ritchie, Cascade, MD (Underground Pentagon)
Victor completed his active military status in Nov. 1963 and then completed his 20-year military career through the Army Active Reserves and entered Civilian life.

Upon leaving the military Victor earned his master's degree with a major in Marketing.  He had already completed a degree in Bachelor of Arts Foreign Languages and another in Business Administration.  In his civilian life, Victor worked with First American National Bank, the U.S. Army Recruiting Command from 1983-1992 as a Public Affairs Specialist, the State of Illinois Employment Service in Arlington Heights, IL from 1993-2007, and as a Program Representative in Job Service.  Thereafter, Vic retired and moved to Plover, WI, to be closer to his family.
Victor always considered himself "a Fortunate Man" since his path in life always seemed to be guided by the hand of God.  As Victor aged, he never failed to reminisce with his five children about the good times they all had together as they grew up.  Victor was a Boy Scout Leader with Troop 400 as they lived in Whitefish Bay, WI.  He visited Indian Shores in Minocqua, WI with his family, motorhome and boat at every opportunity. Victor had a great voice.  He sang the lead role in HMS Pinafore while in High School and also sang in the St. Joseph's Church Choir while living in Wheeling, IL

Vic was an avid golfer, Marathon runner and an avid supporter of those in need.  He was indeed, the "Fortunate Man" inspired to help all he knew or met to meet their highest potential in life.  God be with you, our dearest father, spouse and friend.  You have completed your final marathon guided by the hand of God.

Victor is survived by his loving spouse, Mary Lou, his five loving children; John (Diane) Maslakow, Stevens Point WI, Paul (Gayle) Maslakow, Michigan, Renee (Jim) Ogurek, Harshaw, WI, Julie (Tom) Rehbeck -Brookfield WI and Lori (Steve) Scott, Seattle WA; his grandchildren: Courtney Scott (Adam Epstein), Lauren Scott (John McConnell),  Rachel Maslakow, Nicole Maslakow, Amanda Maslakow, Christina Maslakow, Alex (Anna) Ogurek, Craig (Maura) Ogurek, Taylor Maslakow, Marina Maslakow, John Rehbeck, Kati Rehbeck and numerous  great grandchildren. Also further survived by his beloved nieces, nephews, other relatives and many special friends.

He is proceeded in death by his parents, five sisters and four brothers.

Visitation will be held on Thursday , September 28th 2023 at 9:00AM at the Pisarski Community Funeral Home of Plover, 2911 Plover Rd, Plover.

A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 at St. Bronislava Catholic Church , 3400 Plover Rd, Plover, with the Very Reverend Ed Shuttleworth presiding.

Entombment will be at the Guardian Angel Cemetery at a later date.  Military Honors will follow after mass at the church entrance.

The Pisarski Funeral Homes are honored to be serving the family. For online condolences please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com