Florian B. Chojnacki

Florian B. Chojnacki, Sr. of Wisconsin Rapids peacefully gained his wings on his 86th birthday when he passed away on October 18, 2024, surrounded by his loving wife and family.

Florian was born in Stevens Point on October 18, 1938 to the late Stanley and Lillian (Firkus) Chojnacki. After attending school, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corp in 1956; was honorably discharged in 1958, and then served in the Wisconsin Army National Guard. He married Elaine Marquard, they later divorced. Florian then married Shirley Jurgella on June 22, 1973, giving her the best present ever.  In 2024, they celebrated 51 wonderful years together.

Florian was a hard worker, wearing many hats, always providing for his family. He served his community as a Police Officer with the Stevens Point Police Department before transferring to the Stevens Point Fire Department where he retired as a Motor Pump Operator. Florian and his family relocated to Florida where they owned and operated a laundromat and harvested oranges. They later returned to Stevens Point where he continued his profession at Neenah Paper. While in retirement he and his wife, Shirley, managed apartments for Northern Management, LLC. In 2015 he officially retired to spend more time with his family.

Florian was an avid gardener and enjoyed hunting and fishing. His happiest times were found spending time with his family, friends, grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was a founding and lifetime member of the Central Wisconsin Marine Corp League Detachment 350. Florian was also a lifetime member of the Polish Legion of American Veterans (PLAV) Post 185 where he proudly served on the Honor Guard with his son Rick and grandson Brett.

He will forever be remembered for his quick wit, humor and the tightest hugs anytime we parted ways. He never missed an opportunity to tell you how much he loved you and how you were more beautiful than the time before. He was so proud of his loved ones and never missed an opportunity to brag about their accomplishments, no matter how great or small.

Florian is survived by his loving wife, Shirley, his children Alan (Kathi) Chojnacki, Debra (Conrad) Chojnacki, Kevin (Roslyn) Chojnacki, Rick (Vicky) Chojnacki, Florian (Sarah) Chojnacki, Jr., Kurt (Ronda) Higgins, Robin (Terry) Bauman, Ricky (Tina) Higgins, and Todd (Betty) Higgins; grandchildren Jessica, Kaesey, Kaylee, Brett, Morgan, Paige, Brady, Emily, Heather, Brittany, Gary, Katie, Nicole, Curtis, Amber, Kristy, Shane, Kendra, Haley, Hannah, and Corey; 24 great grandchildren; 1 great great grandchild; and siblings Marge Glodowski, Theresa (Ernest) Daniczyk, Patricia (Mike) Nord, and Rosalie Chojnacki.  He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Francis, Henry, Jerome, Leonard, Louis, and Stanley; and sister Mary Ryckman; daughter Tammy Hintz; granddaughter Brianna Higgins; and grandson-in-law Isakk Hernandez.

Mass of Christian Burial for Florian will be held at 11:30AM on Wednesday October 23, 2024 at St. Stephen Catholic Church-1401 Clark Street, Stevens Point. Visitation will begin at the church at 9:30AM and continue until the time of service; a parish rosary will be recited starting at 9:45AM. Rev. Jeffrey Hennes will be officiating. Burial with full military honors to follow in the Guardian Angel Cemetery. Pisarski Funeral Homes are honored to be serving the family. For online condolences please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com