Karl Pnazek

Pnazek, Karl

Karl S Pnazek age 66 of Plover died peaceful at his home Thursday Oct 29 2015 with his wife Bonnie at his side, after a courageous battle with brain cancer. The loss brings deep sorrow for Bonnie, their son Brandon, his wife April and their children-Brooklyn, Spencer, Dylan and Alayna. He is also survived by his brother Keith Pnazek his wife Karen Ann and their two sons Bret and Brad. His brother Kurt Pnazek his wife Susan and their two sons Casey and Cole. His sister Karen Moore and her husband Jerry.

Karl's reach was wide and deep and as such the loss is felt by literally thousands of people who had the privilege to work with him and those whose lives were made better by the resources and opportunities created under his leadership. Others knew him only through his frequent open letters to the local paper but even they came to understand this man's core was made up of integrity, innovation, insight and initiative. He was often described as the smartest man people ever knew. He mentored many, inspired more and sometimes stepped on people's toes when Karl saw unfairness in them. He was tough too and often said what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. He didn't often back down and that may have been what led to his many successes.

Born and raised in Chicago, Karl served as the President and CEO of CAP Services, Inc. based in Stevens Point from 1976 through 2008, He also served as President of WISCAP, the state association of community action agencies. He consistently tried to build capacity in the network to do more than help low-income people get by- but rather create opportunities for them to be independent. He also fought hard to create a brand of anti-poverty work that encompasses all of the many factors influencing people about to be "economically and emotionally self-sufficient."

Doing that also meant community development work resulting in resources like CAP's Family Crisis Center to serve domestic violence victims, one of the first in the state of Wisconsin. Another, Ministry Dental Center, created to serve Badger Care-eligible patients who often went years without access to dental care. Another of his proud accomplishments was the creation of revolving loan funds for those wishing to start a business or buy a home and not able to secure capital or credit otherwise. Karl was known by many as one of the most creative deal makers and that "art of the deal" making led projects from his mind's eye to fruition.

His highly engaged state and national advocacy and public policy work always focused on how to ensure low-income and rural families had a fair shake at the promise of an American Dream that included a decent job, a safe and decent home, access to health and dental care, opportunities for lifelong learning and the joys found in recreation and leisure.

Karl's legacy will live on in the many projects that he created and the people that he touched, the children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews that saw in Karl's actions how to be a good person and to fight for what is right in the world.

A gathering for family and friends will take place from 4 to 8 PM on Thursday November 5, 2015 in the Atrium at PJ's Restaurant in SentryWorld at 601 Michigan Ave. North in Stevens Point. In Lieu of flowers a memorial in his name will be established at a later date. Pisarski Community Funeral Home of Plover is honored to be serving the family. For online condolences please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com