Gregory Louis West

Gregory Louis West, son of the late Dewain and Mary West, has passed away on 8/3/2022, at age 72, after his long battle with Agent Orange complications from his years of service in the military. He is survived by his daughter; Crystal Jacak & son in-law, Mike Jacak; grand daughter, Makayla Jacak; siblings, Alan West (Wife Fran), Janice (Husband Gordy), and Randy West; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins. Gregory was an Army veteran, serving 2 tours of duty in Vietnam. He was a member of the VFW Post 2874 and the Veterans Community Relations Team (VCRT). Greg was known throughout the veteran community for his years of dedication to helping his fellow veterans through many programs and events, such as: raising funds through poppies and local brat fry’s, Christmas with the vets at Zablocki VA Hospital, homeless veterans prevention, distributing meals for Thanksgiving, fishing with disabled vets, the Home Depot veteran program, WI vets day in Union Grove, WI, and many more. As a member of the VCRT, Greg played a major role in preserving and protecting the independence of the Milwaukee County War Memorial Center (WMC). Greg also led the VCRT initiative to relocate the statue of General of the Army, Douglas MacArthur, in Veterans Park on Lake Michigan, north of the WMC. Greg worked with the ROTC programs at Milwaukee Area Technical College assisting with the scholarship program. He was part of the VCRT initiative for the, "Save the Soldiers Homes", on the Zablocki VA grounds. Greg was active in his community and was presented with an award by the Milwaukee Police Chief for his crime prevention work and received numerous other community service awards. He also did a lot of work for St. Benedict the Moor, as well. On April 27, 2022, Greg was the recipient of the VCRT John “Jack” Myers Patriotism Award, recognizing a lifetime of service to the community and veterans. Greg will be remembered as a dynamic leader who was always willing to stand up and oppose any injustice; frequently for those who had no voice to protect themselves. Greg was an avid music lover and he always enjoyed spending quality time with his family and friends; especially his little granddaughter, Makayla. Services will be held on September 23rd, 2022, at 1:30pm, at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery (meet at Main entrance), 21731 Spring Street Union Grove, WI, 53182. There will be a reception following the services for family, fellow veterans and friends to celebrate the extraordinary life of Greg, including his many contributions to his family, veterans, community and country. In lieu of flowers you may donate to a homeless prevention program or veteran charity of your choice.