Rhody Clarence Wiczek

Rhody Wiczek

On January 4, 2023 Rhody entered eternal life in God's safe keeping at the age of 89. He was surrounded by his loving wife and family at his home in Stevens Point.

Rhody was born June 3, 1933 to the parents of Nick and Johanna (Yach) Wiczek. Growing up in Polonia, WI, he spoke Polish with his parents and three siblings and remembered numerous phrases until his passing. He enjoyed deer and small game hunting and helping his parents on the farm. Rhody played baseball for most of his young life as well as handball and softball. He entered the Catholic Order of Foresters at the age of 15 and belonged his entire life.

He graduated from P.J. Jacobs High School in 1952 where he met the love of his life, Joyce Zurawski. After graduation, he served his country in the United States Army stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado in the 8th Infantry Division as a Forward Observer where he continued his love of baseball on the Army baseball team.

In 1957 he returned home to marry his high school sweetheart, Joyce. They were married on June 22nd, 1957 at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Stevens Point. Rhody served another 6 years in the Army Reserves before he was honorably discharged with the rank of Sargent in 1961.

Rhody worked at Consolidated Papers beginning in 1960 within the Wisconsin River Division working as an operator on the Supercalendering machines. While at the division he was involved in rebuilds on machine No. 71 and 72 Supers and in the installation of No. 73, 74 and 75 Supers. Rhody was also a member of Division's Safety Committee since its inception and throughout his career. He retired after 37 years.

Rhody was an avid Green Bay Packer and Milwaukee Brewers fan. He and his wife spent most of their life enjoying the outdoors, riding motorcycle in the country and boating on the nearby rivers and lakes with their family. Rhody was especially fond of his family and grandchildren and always enjoyed their company wherever they would travel to.

Rhody also loved country music and western movies. On weekends, you could often find the couple dressed up and dancing the night away with the local country bands. Rhody was known for his love of sports cars and always drove classy showstoppers all over town, including a 1957 Ford Fairlane retractable, a 1959 Buick LeSabre convertible, a 1967 Chevy Super Sport convertible and several Trans Ams. Rhody had many friends and a generous heart that could be felt by anyone he encountered. He loved to smile and joke with others, was a great listener and was genuine in every word he spoke.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brothers; Leo (Sophie), Norbert (Jean), his sister Irene (Hubert) Groshek and a grandson Alec Tauber.

He leaves behind his loving wife of 65 years, Joyce, his four children; Roy (Suzanne) of Sun Prairie, Darren (Kim) of LaValle, Shelly (Mark) Johnson of Appleton and Troy (Kelly) of Plover, and his grandchildren; Angela, Cara, Taylor, Brenna, Dustin, Hope, Kim, Karla and Brad, also great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and friends.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday January 14, 2023 at the Pisarski Funeral Home, 703 Second St., Stevens Point, with Full Military Honors to follow. Visitation from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Friday evening, and again from 9:00 A.M. Saturday morning at the Funeral Home until the time for services. With burial at Guardian Angel Cemetery. The family wishes to thank Jen, Lynn and Alaine from the St. Croix Hospice team for their loving care and thoughtful conversations. And a special thank you to Karla Lee for her caring support in the home. The Pisarski Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.pisarskifuneralhome.com