Harold Arthur Nonken

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Harold Arthur Nonken

November 5, 1940 – November 21, 2019

A man of eclectic interests, Harold Arthur Nonken liked paying attention to everything from international politics to local library affairs and municipal ethics. He had so many interests and he was so gregarious. He just had a wonderful thirst for knowledge and for people and places.

After graduating from Washington High School, he went on to earn his bachelor’s degree at UW-Milwaukee and his master’s degree in Social Studies at UW-Madison. His thesis was devoted to an examination of Magazine Advertising 1870 – 1900. He met his wife, the former Pamela Peckarsky, in Madison WI and they were married in 1965. Harold took a position in Michigan City, IN and taught social studies in the high school for six years. Purdue University beckoned and Harold entered the PhD program devoted to teaching teachers how to teach Social Studies.

In 1974, they moved their family to Shorewood, WI where he joined K-Promotions. He combined his interest in advertising with the profession of promotional marketing. In 1984, he began Nonken Promotions which became Promotional Marketing Group a few years later. The family business was known for creativity, innovation and exemplary service to large corporations located around the world.

Harold was an avid reader with eclectic tastes, a true Renaissance Man. He would offer a book review or discuss the plumbing industry in Asia at the slightest mention. His interest in the Jews of Kaifeng became a passion as more was discovered about the geneaology of the Nankin Family that had descendants in a myriad of countries. Other interests were travel, exercise, music, Sudoku and crossword puzzles.

Harold Arthur Nonken is survived by Pamela, his wife of 54 years, daughters Melissa Nonken Gursky and Marilyn Nonken Hunka, son-in-law George Hunka. He was devoted and adoring Zayde to Benjamin, Samantha and Alexander Gursky, devoted and adoring Poppop to Goldie and Billie Hunka. Other survivors are sisters Sheila Nonken and Marla Nonken, loving friends and relatives.

Graveside Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Monday, November 25, 2019 at Mound Zion Cemetery, 14510 W. North Avenue, Brookfield, WI 53005.

Shiva will be held at Sarah Chudnow (10995 N. Market Street, Mequon, WI 53092; telephone: 262-478-1500) from 3:00 PM until 5:00 PM on Monday, November 25, 2019.

If desired, memorials to Jewish Home and Care Center or Congregation Emanu-El B’ne Jeshurun or the charity of your choice.