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Ron Wawrzyniak Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Ron Wawrzyniak
Jerry Bradley
September 27, 2020
I am an old friend of Rons, we served together at Fort Bliss, Texas on a couple of occasions as instructors in the Army’s only REDEYE Battery. Later on, I was privileged to speak at a function for him at his retirement, I believe. Seems like i should remember the occasion but I somehow simply can’t recall. I read these “memories and condolences” in their entirety and i think what everyone has said and done on these pages is simply wonderful. I remember Ron the same way as you all describe him in your tributes. He was a truly OUTSTANDING friend, soldier and Sergeant Major. I remember Karen and Hildegard like it was only yesterday and remember always being reluctant to go over to his house with him because I was always so INTIMIDATED by “the cleanest house on planet earth.” I was always afraid to sit down. They probably won’t remember me. Karen was just a little thing back then. I’m not sure that anyone will ever see this, but I’m hoping they will. Ill definitely stop by and check on him when I’m down around Fort Knox.
Debbie & Bob Nelson
March 27, 2011
Thinking of you Dear Uncle Ronnie, today more than usual. Cannot believe it has been a year since you passed on to a far better place. You are thought of and missed every single day. We love and miss you so very much. All our love, Debbie & Bob
Debbie Nelson
January 4, 2011
Dearest Uncle Ronnie, Words cannot express how very much you are missed. I so missed our Christmas phone call and your sweet voice singing to me. I think of you every single day. We love you and miss you more than words can express. Bye bye for now. All our love, Debbie and Bob
Debbie Nelson
November 11, 2010
Dearest Uncle Ronnie,
Words cannot describe how very much we miss you, your sweet voice and your very
presence in this world. Because of your great service to our country we have been thinking of you more than usual today, Veteran's day. We deeply
honor you and your service. We love you so very much. Bye, bye for now.
karen wawrzyniak
June 20, 2010
HAPPY FATHERS DAY DAD!
everyday is fathers day with the wonderful memories i have of you forever in my heart
love love love you!
karen wawrzyniak
June 3, 2010
thank you for those "sweet" memories debbie and that pun is intended :-) brought many smiles when i read it, years ago on one of my dads trips down to kentucky he brought mom and i this box lid he'd covered in paper and had little sayings all over it :-) and there were a couple dozen little plastic containers filled with yummy kinds of candy! the non-pareills (not sure of the spelling), those little chocolate discs with the white sprinkles on top were especially good. To this day my mom uses those little containers when she's baking, she uses them for all the different ingredients! I can imagine your mom's eyes delighted with those goodies my dad gave her as well!! I have started going thru the pictures dad had in his desk - not just some pictures but LOTS of pictures and i'm sure they will bring out lots more memories so i'll be back here to share some of them!!
love, karen
Debbie Nelson
May 28, 2010
Bob and our wonderful Uncle
Debbie Nelson
May 28, 2010
Me and my wonderful Uncle
Debbie Nelson
May 28, 2010
What's this?
Debbie Nelson
May 28, 2010
Debbie Nelson
May 28, 2010
Debbie Nelson
May 28, 2010
What a great gift
Debbie Nelson
May 28, 2010
Mom's surprise
Debbie & Bob Nelson
May 28, 2010
Hello everyone.
Thank you Karen so very much for sharing your journey and telling us where you spread some of your Dad's ashes.
With Uncle Ronnie's birthday approaching memories of him have been flooding my mind. I am posting some pictures from 2000 when Uncle Ronnie visited us in Neenah. Uncle Ronnie, Bob and I had a wonderful time sitting up until the wee hours of the morning talking, looking at photos, playing cards and drinking Old Tommy! Bob and I were leaving for Rhinelander the next day to visit my Mom, Dad and family. My Mom's birthday was within the next few days and Uncle Ronnie had a package he wanted us to deliver to her. It was wrapped in brown paper and Uncle Ronnie had decorated it with messages and his artwork. We presented the package to my Mom and all gathered around the table to see what it contained. Inside the package was an unbelivable assortment of penny candy! All of the goodies those of a certain age remembered from our childhood. Leave it to Uncle Ron to come up with such a sweet thoughtful gift. We were amazed. I imagined him putting the candy in the box, wrapping it up and decorating it. I could almost hear him giggling thinking of my Mom's reaction. I can't imagine how he was able to find all of that candy. I wish I had a personal story to share of one of Uncle Ronnie's birthdays. Instead I am sharing one of the very many special things Uncle Ronnie did for other people. He was one of a kind. So thoughtful, so generous, so loving, and so very sweet. Happy Birthday Uncle Ronnie!
We love and miss you so so very much.
Ron with another great friend Louie
Barb Petner
May 21, 2010
Ron and Gloria's hubby Hank
Barb Petner
May 21, 2010
Cousins Ron and Gloria
Barb Petner
May 21, 2010
Ron with another good friend
Barb Petner
May 21, 2010
Family having fun together
Barb Petner
May 21, 2010
Buddies and neighbors
Barb Petner
May 21, 2010
Ron with an old friend Butch
Barb Petner
May 21, 2010
The Old Gang Reunion 2007
Barb Petner
May 21, 2010
Visiting with Sue and Dennis
Barb Petner
May 17, 2010
Visiting Ron at his Condo
Barb Petner
May 17, 2010
karen wawrzyniak
May 9, 2010
Hello to all,
First a special thank you to sharon & debbie for keeping this guest book online until next year - very sweet gesture! Auntie Barbara thought it would be nice if i shared with you all where some of my dads ashes were sprinkled......In Milwaukee: Capitol drive all the way east to where it ends at Lake Michigan there is a vantage point there with a "veterans who served" memorial, I'm not crazy about large bodies of water & when Linda my best friend & I "accidentally" ended up there as we were searching for a store I found a place to park so she could get out and get closer to the water - i was staying in the confines of my vehicle :-) but back in april when we went back to milwaukee to clear out my dads apt etc...i had asked the funeral home for some ashes in a separate container which they did for me & i knew i had to go to that lookout point this time....not that my dad ever spoke of lake michigan other than when the lake effect snow was coming off of it :-) I thought the "veterans who served" memorial was very fitting and dad made several references to a song "like dust blowing in the wind" I also left some of dads ashes at Miller Park! The Milwaukee Brewers will always have one of their biggest fans watching from the area where the american flag is flying! I went back to the VA Hospital and spoke with Ms Mary a wonderful wonderful nurse, she hugged me til i was ready to let go & thanked me for coming back to see her in person - she told me about my dads last few mins - I'll always have comfort in that my dad from day one of getting sick told me thats where he wanted to be if he had to be in a hospital - he always spoke so highly of his doctors, nurses & orderlies! Lastly there are increments of my dads ashes all along the way back home to kentucky as well as just a mile from our home an area that we walk our dog past alot and drive by daily that i can look towards this city created flower bed and know that my dad is watching me go by......The morning of march 28th my clock radio came on at usual 6:45a.m. time with music - it was waylon jennings singing the line "i may be a single drop of rain or i might be a highway man again - but i'll always be around, around, around" - a song waylon did with kris kristofferson & willie nelson years ago - it honestly sounded like the voice i was hearing was my dads.....so when i got the mass cards from stacy at schramka's i saw the verse and emailed her asking if dad had chose the verse as it mentions rain....she said he did choose the verse and she chose the picture on the front which i thought was perfect as well. While i was used to not seeing my dad on a daily basis we always said in our sunday afternoon chats that we were always in each others hearts & so every sunday that rolls around & at 3:30 which was the time i always called him that i just look to heaven & tell him he's my hero & he's always in my heart. Thank you to everyone for sharing & continuing to share their thoughts & stories & pictures. Special thanks to Kenny for being such a great friend to my dad - I couldn't have done half of what i did at the hospital w/dad and then later at dads apt. without his help & encouragement!
Love, Karen
May 8, 2010
Uncle Ronnie in Vietnam, 1969
Debbie Nelson
May 8, 2010
Uncle Ronnie in Germany, 1955
Debbie Nelson
May 8, 2010
Hello everyone.
I am posting some pictures and an article to honor Uncle Ronnie for
Armed Forces week.
Love, Debbie
Lookin better
Barb Petner
May 4, 2010
We need to fix this hair
Barb Petner
May 4, 2010
Caring Hearts
Barb Petner
May 4, 2010
More family
Barb Petner
May 4, 2010
Ooops!!
Barb Petner
May 4, 2010
Should I?
Barb Petner
May 4, 2010
Time for a trim
Barb Petner
May 4, 2010
Memories
Barb Petner
May 4, 2010
Family togetherness
Barb Petner
May 4, 2010
Another good visit
Barb Petner
May 4, 2010
Christine Jenkins
May 3, 2010
Dear Uncle Ronnie,
I am so glad to have met you and get to know you a little bit. I wish we could have had more time together. Till we meet again
With Love,
Christine
Ready for dessert, nothing like a cool beer
Barb Petner
April 26, 2010
We are still eating
Barb Petner
April 26, 2010
Is it time to leave?
Barb Petner
April 26, 2010
Feels good to stretch the legs
Barb Petner
April 26, 2010
Another visit to Sauk Village
Barb Petner
April 26, 2010
I guessed right, mmmm, headcheese from Jimmy
April 25, 2010
Easter with the Gang
April 25, 2010
Having some good times
April 25, 2010
Angela Ehmann
April 24, 2010
It's difficult to talk about Uncle Ronnie without including Grandpa. They were alike in so many ways and neither deserved to suffer even one minute in the end. It gives me peace knowing that I was able to recognize their qualities and appreciate them while they were here with us. They left two lifetimes worth of cool and fun memories for all who loved them. It may sound elementary, but that's how Uncle Ronnie and Grandpa were. Very cool and very fun!
Justin Petner
April 20, 2010
Uncle Ronnie,
I will miss all the visits, I was able to have with you. You always thought of others with all your treats. I'm so glad my dad has all those great stories of you and now I have some stories of my own. Miss You, Love You Justin
James Petner
April 19, 2010
Dear Karen,
You and the world have lost a great man on March 27,2010. We are so sorry for loss of your father. He was Outstanding Uncle and friend. We have so many fond memories of COMBAT and his alias SUPERMAN. When uncle Ronnie would come in town with his treats for everyone or to have an ICE COLD soda pop from Spreclher's, to a shot and beer those are the time's that will be missed the most. The many trips we took to Milwaukee we always had a blast I personally thought he should have bought the purple suit and hat from Goldman's not the orange one he wanted. To the time uncle Ronnie dropped that taco in the park and he looked at me, like I did it and him and Christina were laughing about it all day. Every time we had a different car, Uncle Ronnie wanted to do a trade plus 10,000.00 CASH for his orange Lamborghini as he called it. When he told us he was sick we offered him to come and live with us he graciously said no "Thank You", but always asked if the cot was available. When we got the call he was in the hospital and the news was bad, we went up the following weekend, he was the same old COMBAT. I was in shock when we got there and he was up to his same antics. That following weekend COMBAT wanted me to break him out. I was all for it but Mom, Sue and Kenny didn't want me to. In all the hospital visits Combat was alert talkative and wanted some back scratching and of course I had to have him do mine as well. HAHAHA. On our last trip it was a nice sunny day and Uncle Ronnie was feeling good he wanted a smoke and I was like,whatever you want you can have so we suited him up to go outdoors he gave us the map on his hand just in case we wanted to break him out for the tenth time, it was a classic Polish moment on the side of the VA center in a handicap parking spot Uncle Ronnie, Kenny, Sue, Dennis, Christina and I enjoyed some laughs a few smokes and Uncle Ronnie said "man I wish I had a cold beer" and of course I had one in my bag for some reason when I left Sue's house I figured he would be wanting one. His eyes got big when I whipped the beer out and in classic Uncle Ronnie fashion he said that's junk beer, but we had one last beer together. Uncle Ronnie then asked you got a chaser in that bag. HAHAHA I told him next weekend. Uncle Ronnie also had me float him a loan for $40.00, I was like what do you need I will buy it and he said Justin needed some spending cash in the PX classic Uncle Ronnie always giving other's and never expecting anything in return. When Mom broke the news to us I felt relieved that he didn't suffer much and in the end he had family and friends by his side and having a good laugh in which he liked to do. His wishes were not to have any big fanfare or send off, Uncle Ronnie has left his mark on this world and for that WE are all grateful. In closing I quote the famous General Douglas McArthur "old soldiers never die they just fade away" Semper Fi Uncle Ronnie till we meet again Love Forever, James, Christina and Justin
April 18, 2010
April 18, 2010
April 18, 2010
April 18, 2010
Dear Uncle Ronnie,
We just wanted to take this opportunity to say how much we enjoyed the time we got to spend with you. It was especially comforting to be with Grandpa's brother so soon after losing him. We only wish we could have gotten to know you better.
Love, Carly and Alex Reich
Big Brother and Little Sister cutting a rug!
April 18, 2010
Beautiful Dancers!
April 18, 2010
Auntie Marcia and Uncle Ronnie dancing up a storm
April 18, 2010
April 18, 2010
Uncle Ronny & Dad
April 18, 2010
Uncle Ronny & Bob
April 18, 2010
Dad, Uncle Ronny, Bob
April 18, 2010
Dad, Mom, Rick, Uncle Ronny
April 18, 2010
The good old days. Uncle Allen, Uncle Murphy, Ricky, Dad & Uncle Ronny.
April 18, 2010
Kathleen Wawrzyniak
April 17, 2010
Dearest Uncle Ronny,
How sad I was to hear you left this world, yet happy to know you are no longer in pain. I know that Grandma, Grandpa, Dad, Uncle Allen, Uncle Murphy and Scottie were happy to see you, waiting for you to join there poker game. haha May you rest in peace Uncle Ronny. Give Dad a kiss for me. I love you.
Kathleen Wawrzyniak
Susan Durbin
April 17, 2010
To All,
Just wanted to share some memories with the pictures. The corvette pictures were taken in August of 2006.
Also, all the Captions were written by Uncle Ronnie on the back of each picture. The "Wake up, I'm up, What a snooze where am I" were taken in May of 2006, again all his own captions.
The pictures with Debbie and Bob were taken on Aug.10,2006 when they came out to our place for a short visit, sure wish we didn't have plans that weekend would have loved more time together. Hope you enjoy all the pictures, we enjoyed and treasured all his time with us.
Love Susan
Just Hangin Out with my Nieces and Nephews
April 17, 2010
Enjoying the Gang
April 17, 2010
Now thats a Flower
April 17, 2010
What a Snooze, Where am I
April 17, 2010
I'm Up
April 17, 2010
Wake up
April 17, 2010
Nothing like some fresh air!!!
April 16, 2010
Two Dudes.....
April 16, 2010
What????
April 16, 2010
Where the Heck is All the Chicks
April 16, 2010
Could not Find an Orange one
April 16, 2010
Auto Graphs and Kisses are Free
April 16, 2010
The Last Fling
April 16, 2010
Enjoying each other!!
April 15, 2010
family visiting
Barb Petner
April 15, 2010
April 15, 2010
Dearest Uncle Ronnie,
Words cannot even begin to express how deeply saddened we were to hear that your beautiful, bright, shining light had been extinguished from this world. I will always remember the night before Melanie's wedding, standing with you as we looked at the picture boards from Dad's memorial service. As you were going on and on about the fact that you never knew that Dad had been awarded the Bronze Star, the board came down off the wall and landed on the table in front of us, as if he were saying "Enough, already!" So I know that he and all of your family were waiting to greet you as you passed on to a far better place.
With much love, until we can be together again, Gina, Carly and Alex Reich
April 15, 2010
April 13, 2010
Dear Ronnie, I am addressing this to you because I know that you are seeing this and all the other beautiful tributes to you that are given here. I met you when you were just 15 years old and you had taken the IC Train from South Chicago to the Hotel Sherman in the Loop, to bring your big brother his extra car key, because he had locked his keys in his car when he went in to pick me up after work after 11:00 PM. You would do anything for Rick, I remember how close the two of you were. Now, that you and Rick and Allen, your Mom and Dad, Murphy and Scott are together again, I can almost imagine what a reunion that was! The world is sadder now,lacking your smile and the laughter you gave to everyone that knows you. I will never forget how you & I sang "Always" together on the phone not too long ago and that will be one of my favorite memories. With love and my prayers that the Good Lord will take you in his arms and give you peace. With Love, Always, Your Sister-In-Law, Dolores Wawrzyniak.
Friends Forever!!
April 13, 2010
Millie,Joyce & Larry Marks
April 13, 2010
Dear Barb and family,
May you find comfort in warm memories and in knowing others sympathize and care.
Our sympathy,
Milie,Joyce and Larry
Dolores Wawrzyniak & Family
April 13, 2010
Sacred Heart Memorial:
In memory of Ronald G.Wawrzyniak. He will be remembered daily in their Masses and Prayers as long as the grace of God is needed.
Dolores Wawrzyniak & Family
Paul & Penny Brueing
April 13, 2010
Sorry to hear of your brother Ron's death.
He is in a better place.
God's Blessings,
Paul and Penny
Hank and Gloria Wisniewski
April 13, 2010
We are very sorry for the loss of your brother Ron. His pain is over. He is now with our Lord. Probably having a beer.
Hank and Gloria
Doris Arendt
April 13, 2010
Dear Barb,
Trust in God to see you through, and know that many thoughts and prayers are with you now.
Love and prayers,
Doris, Chicago ,Il.
April 12, 2010
Christiane Petner
April 10, 2010
Uncle Ronnie
You are such a kind soul, we love all the things you did for others, like bringing everyone "Treats" when you came to visit. You had such great enjoyment in giving, we will miss you, but will remember you always.
Love Tina, Keltin, Maison, Kensie, Kylar, and Brennen.
Me and Superman
Dennis Durbin
April 10, 2010
Hey Superman,
I know your at the front of the line, don't run into any cryptonite.
Love you always Buddy,
Dennis
Sharon & Dan Jenkins
April 9, 2010
Dear dear Uncle Ronnie--what a sweet, caring, wonderful man. His Country and his Family were everything to him. His humorous and generous nature, his joy in life was everything to us. Uncle Ronnie we will miss you most desperately. God's Peace & Rest to you until we meet again. We love you so very much, Sharon & Dan
Laura (Wawrzyniak) Frank
April 8, 2010
Uncle Ronnie, I know it was one hell of a reunion for you and Dad!! I loved when the Wawrzyniak family got together and you always smiling!! You will always be in my prayers.
Vivian Wawrzyniak
April 8, 2010
Ronnie,Iwill miss your phonecalls,songs,and constant reminders of how much you loved Al and our family. Thank you for every smile and joke and every loaf of rye bread. You were such a touching person. May eternity be as special for you as you always made me feel. I love you and will always keep your soul in my prayers.
Ken Kaczmarek
April 6, 2010
Ronnie's family and friends, I look at what a blessing it was to be a part of Ronnie's life and him mine, especially these past five years.I got to know and love a great man who dedicated his life to his country and made it and all of us wanting to be better.I have many fond memories of the times I got to spend with him. A lot of laughs and some cries as I listened to some o his stories.He loved to joke around and made us all laugh. He was more concerned for us at the time of his passing then he was of dying. I also got to meet and be a part of his wonderful and caring family.I've felt the sincere love you've had for one another. Please, when you get sad and you will, instead, think of the many laughs and smiles he brought to your faces. That's the way he wants us, he prepared us to be. Thank all of you for loving a great man.
April 5, 2010
My brother was a truly unique individual. He made each day a special occasion. He was a good son, a brave soldier, a thoughtful brother and uncle and a loyal friend. In each role and every situation he was charming and witty. Ronnie, you will be so missed and your memory treasured forever.Our deepest sympathy to Karen and Hilda and all who loved him. Chris and Marcia Blaszczyk (St. John, IN)P.S. On Easter Sunday our family did a balloon release in honor of Ronnie. The balloons soared right up to Heaven!!!!
Julie Blaszczyk Jackson
April 5, 2010
Uncle Ronnie,
You leave us with so many memories to smile and laugh about..we love you and will miss you so! We know you were met by so many smiling faces in heaven..XOXOXOXOXO Til we see you again..
The Good Times Remembered
Dennis & Susan Durbin
April 5, 2010
Uncle Ronnie,
Thank you for touching our hearts with you thoughtful, caring and loving ways. Memories of you will be locked in our hearts forever. You had left behind so many beautiful memories that touched our lives. I will think of you with joy, each time I light my candles from you. We loved you then and will love you forever.
Love you always, Dennis and Susan
Debbie & Bob Nelson
April 4, 2010
Uncle Ronnie was a great man, a wonderful father, brother, uncle and friend.
He was a true patriot, honorably serving our country for many years. His
selflessness was unique in this world. He was great fun to be with and had
a wonderful sense of humor. No words can describe the profound sorrow we
feel. We love you so very very much Uncle Ronnie. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you always. Until we meet again. Bye, bye.
Love, Debbie and Bob
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