Robert G. Danczyk

Robert Gabriel Danczyk, a beloved husband, father, brother and friend passed away peacefully at home following a long battle with cancer on Monday, April 3 ^rd just two months shy of his 80 ^th birthday.

Bob was born at home on May 30 ^th , 1943, the fourth of eleven children of Felix and Regina (Dulak) Danczyk.  He grew up on the family's dairy farm attending Liberty Bell grade school in the town of Dewey.  As a young boy, Bob worked on the family farm, enjoyed playing with his siblings, going fishing and attending church. His lifelong love of music was born at an early age and when chores were done, he would ride his bike to his neighbor, Tommy Lewandowski's farm to learn how to play concertina. Following grade school, Bob attended P. J. Jacobs High School for three years, then completed his school years graduating from Pacelli High School in 1961.

During the tumultuous 60's and a time of draft, Bob took it upon himself to enlist in the United States Marine Corps on September 28, 1962.  He reported to Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) San Diego for bootcamp in January of 1963.  He went on to become an Aviation Electronics Operator and served as a Rifle Instructor.  A benefit of serving his country was his fulfillment of his dream to see the world.  During his enlistment, he travelled to such places as Spain and the Canary Islands and served in Okinawa, Japan.  He deployed to Vietnam with Marine Air Control Squadron 7 (MACS-7).  He earned the rank of Sergeant (E-5), a Good Conduct Medal, a National Defense Service Medal and a Vietnam Service Medal before ending active duty in January of '67, transferring to the Marine Corps Reserves and being honorably discharged September 27, 1968.  Bob remained a proud Marine his entire life, was active in the Marine Corps League and served as Commandant from 2004 until 2006. He was blessed to see both of his sons earn the title of Marine as well.

Returning home in early 1967, he picked up his prized, special order '66 LTD, began entertaining as "The Happy Concertinist" and loved playing often at the Ritz Tavern and many other venues.  He was a member of "The Cavaliers", "The Polka Knights", sat in with many other bands and then started "Bobby Danczyk & The Polish Memories" which included his son, John, and daughter, Carla, for many years.  They later became "PM Mix" to incorporate more rock and country music.  He and his bands were a popular choice sought after for an untold number of weddings, celebrations, church picnics and festivals, even traveling to San Antonio, Texas to perform at a Polish Fest in 1976. He loved entertaining people, sharing his Polish pride and playing!  Over the years, he performed with many beautiful instruments, most prized of which were his Star concertinas. Bob was an accomplished musician and technician, spending endless hours listening to music, writing music and creating sheet music for other musicians.  Although he never did it for the accolades, Bob was honored to be inducted into the Concertina Hall of Fame in 2010.

Bob became an apprentice and then Journeyman Electrician for the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 388 in 1973. As a member of the IBEW he was afforded the opportunity to work on various projects around the country, including nuclear power plants, industrial, government, commercial and residential projects.  He mentored many young apprentices over the years who still speak very highly of him (shiny side out, guys!).  As a foreman, he greatly enjoyed the complexity, problem solving and engineering aspects of his work. Bob went above and beyond his day-to-day duties to serve as Chairman of the Apprenticeship Committee to ensure the future of the brotherhood.   He took great pride in his work often pointing out sites he worked on when taking family road trips.

Bob met the love of his life, Sandra "Sandi" Szymanski in 1968 at a Polka dance.  They were married June 21 ^st , 1969 at St. Bartholomew's Church in Mill Creek.  They bought a house in Moon where he built a barn for Sandi to enjoy the six horses that were part of the package.  They had an impressive ability to support each other's interests and hobbies.  In their early years, Bob even earned his private pilot license in between band jobs and practice sessions, the apprenticeship program, helping on their respective family farms and building their own beautiful life together.  They set an incredible example of partnership for the rest of us.  They bought land near Bob's family farm in the early 70's and ultimately built their home themselves, starting by harvesting trees from their property, preparing the lumber and pounding every nail themselves.  Bob's willingness to help others came back to him at this time as he enlisted skilled friends and family members to join him in the endeavor.

Bob is survived by his wife of 54 years, Sandra "Sandi" (Szymanski), their four children; John (Emily Feltz) Danczyk of Mosinee, WI, Julie (Kevin) Schneider of Austin, TX, Carla Danczyk and Benjamin (BJ) (Stephanie Schlegel) of Mosinee, WI, seven grandchildren;  Jane (10) and Jill (8) Danczyk, Jake (22) and Jess (20) Schneider,  Zoe (22), Kate (20) and Maia (18) Zalewski, siblings; Tony (Lorraine) Danczyk, Frank (Danae) Danczyk, Al Danczyk, Jean (Dave) Francois, Pat (Leon Byrd) Roberts, Len (Alexandra Roberts) Danczyk, Dorothy (Mark) Rice, Rita (Bob) Weber and Tom (Debby) Danczyk and many nieces and nephews who he appreciated.

Bob was preceded in death by his parents, Felix and Regina (Dulak) Danczyk; in-laws, John and Bonnie (Hintz) Szymanski, and sister, Betty Danczyk.

Dad was very involved in the community.  He was an American Legion member and 3 ^rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus.  He volunteered his time as a 30-year 4-H leader, (ensuring our fair decorations were installed precisely every year!) and an FFA grandparent.  He was a lifelong Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) member where he attended the annual Oshkosh fly-in every year without fail and for many years volunteered his talents and expertise in the building of experimental aircraft.  He was an active member of St. Casimir's Church, providing Polish vocals and leading the choir in singing Christmas carols in Polish many years.  He and his band were featured performers at Our Savior's Polish National Catholic Church's Polish Fest for 30 years.

Dad's picture could be in the encyclopedia under "lifelong learner".  He had an intellectual curiosity that was insatiable.  There was no topic he wasn't interested in.  He prided himself in his productivity and ability to contribute.  His attention to detail was legendary.  He was a proud veteran.  He was a respected brother who never violated the "rules of the road".  He was a craftsman, an outdoorsman, a gardener, a farmer, a chicken whisperer, an animal lover, a builder, a musician, a singer-songwriter, a Cessna pilot, an avid reader, a historian, a photographer, a traveler, an explorer, a sports fan, a volunteer, a fixer, a solver, a Saturday morning potato pancake maker, a baby comforter and a sharp (and straight) shooter.  He loved sweets and salty, buttery popcorn, (especially while watching M.A.S.H. after the nightly news and sharing with whichever kids snuck downstairs to join him). He was thoughtful and sentimental, a softie at heart.  He could talk to anyone about anything but didn't waste words.  If he said it, it was worth hearing and taking note.  He was a patient, loving husband, incredible father and joy-filled grandpa.  He had the very best Dad jokes and could make us laugh in even the most difficult situations…always making others feel better.  He simply had a way about him that was undeniably reassuring and comforting. He always put everyone else before himself and never asked for a thing in return.

Dad was loved by many and never met a stranger.  We were all lucky to have him in our lives.  His generous spirit, kind heart and quick wit will be remembered and missed for generations to come.  May he rest in peace…and spend eternity entertaining the angels in heaven.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Robert will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday April 12, 2023, at Our Saviors National Catholic Church 804 Jackson Street Mosinee WI. Rev Marion Talage will officiate. Visitation on Tuesday April 11 ^th from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Pisarski Funeral Home 703 Second Street Stevens Point and again on Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. until time of service at the church.

A parish rosary will be prayed at 7:00 p.m. Tuesday at the funeral home. Full military honors will follow the funeral mass with burial taking place in the parish cemetery.

Pisarski Funeral Homes are honored to be serving the family. For online condolences please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com