Jeff Halko's thought I had more time fundraiser

Thank you for joining me here. I'm Colleen, Jeff's wife of 19 years. Jeff, the love of my life, passed away early Sunday morning, December 5, 2021 of cardiac arrest.

 

Jeff grew up in the Silver Lake area making life long friends. He entered the window cleaning business in Monterey, CA with his first wife Cynthia, then moved to LaCrosse with their two children Jacey and Caleb. He operated Sunshine Window cleaning in LaCrosse until his divorce in 1998. He moved to Elkhorn, WI and purchased Picture Perfect Window cleaning which he operated until his passing.

 

Jeff and I met in 2001 when he stopped in for lunch at The LaGrange General Store where I was working. After many conversations and sandwiches, he invited me out dancing at The Blue Overall and we danced to the music of the band, Radioactive. We fell in love and got married June 22, 2002 and the band from our first date played at our reception. We had nothin but big ol hearts dancing in our eyes  and always looked forward to goin up the country any chance we got. We enjoyed attending bluegrass festivals, dancing, playing music, reunions at The Gulch, talking for hours and cleaning windows  together and so much mo....

The Gulch Party 2002 :  Dan Roath, Jeff, Colleen, Rikki and Hans Mayer

Jeff made friends easily, was a kid at heart, and was always looking on the bright side of life .  He loved his work and his numerous customers, many became good friends.   My friends would comment that "everybody loves Jeff", which I had already learned to be very true. He left a legacy of window cleaning proteges who remember him for his encouragement, great sense of humor and familial friendship. We feel honored to have such devoted friends to earn a living with while having some fun, too.

 

When he wasn't working Jeff enjoyed singing, although he often sang while he worked.  Some customers referred to him as the singing window cleaner and by others as a walking jukebox because of his uncanny memory for lyrics.  He enjoyed playing the guitar and writing songs and was instrumental (pun intended) in drawing out musical talent from those he encouraged to play along, myself included.   This talent was evident during his time in LaCrosse when Jeff and his friend Steve Michaljak, a local artist, renewed the old coffee club idea with a weekly Thursday night "Java Jam" at the Warehouse on Pearl St.   He liked the open mic idea, because that was where he got his start playing music.  It showcased all types of music, featuring many musician friends, in an easy listening atmosphere with a friendly audience.  




Jeff relished time with friends and family, witty conversation, making little kids laugh, making older ladies blush, playing cribbage, golf and throwing Frisbee for our two dogs, Simon & KiRa. He was a dedicated Badger and Packer fan, too.

 

Despite his sunny disposition, Jeff struggled on and off throughout his life with drug and alcohol addiction, and never stopped working to overcome it. He attended SMART recovery meetings in Janesville, a program he was able to draw strength from, and was always encouraging others to keep trying, even if they faltered.  His health took a toll from it, though. He was diagnosed with A fib and started treatment in May 2021.  While Jeff's stamina and ability to work were compromised initially, he maintained his optimism and zest for working as much as his health would allow. He had 4 months of sobriety accomplished, and was gradually regaining his strength when he was taken from us so suddenly.   Jeff always awoke before the crack of dawn. I would awaken to the smell of coffee and the sound of his voice every morning, as I did that Sunday morning. Then, the Angels called him home.  My dear friend, lover, husband and window cleaning partner has blessed me with many beautiful memories and relationships I would never have enjoyed had we not met.   I love him and miss him dearly.

To Jeff,...we had the real thing baby, and I wish there were more bad times  to see you through. I love you and I'll see you soon when I get to heaven . Until then, introduce our parents to each other. Please give hugs and kisses to Doug and "Dooner" for me.


Doug Pearson,  Jimmy G and Jeff at Lilly Lake

 

Jeff rarely cared to contemplate end of life arrangements, maybe because he couldn't imagine ever being out of contact with friends, family and loved ones, all of whom were his lifeline to happiness.  Or maybe he, like many of us, thought he would have more time.  

 

Regardless of his reasons, if you feel inclined and are financially able to contribute to Jeff's funeral and unpaid medical expenses, it would be greatly appreciated.  Any unused funds will be donated to those families impacted by the recent disastrous tornado.

 

 

Please visit Nitardy Funeral Home to find Jeff's obituary and an additional place to leave online condolences.

 

Our family extends heart felt thanks to all our friends, families and customers for the love and support during this sad time. Your kind words, loving thoughts and shared memories have made me realize we are not the only ones missing Jeff who loved, and was loved by, so many in his life.