Eric James Styczynski

Eric James Styczynski, affectionately known as "Gonzo" to his friends, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, December 16, 2024, at the age of 45, after a courageous battle with cancer over the past year.

Born in Shawano, WI, to the late Richard Styczynski and Judy (Moericke) Tank, Eric was raised in the area, attending St. Paul Lutheran School in Bonduel and St. James Lutheran School in Shawano before moving to Suring with his mother and stepfather, where he continued his education at Suring High School.

Eric was known for taking the road less traveled, often choosing the more difficult path, but truly did have a heart of gold and good intentions would eventually shine through, even when life didn’t go as planned. He had a passion for cooking and earned a culinary arts certificate from the State of Wisconsin.

Eric enjoyed working at Farm Inn on Main in Shawano, off and on over the last decade. He was forever grateful to them for giving him a chance. He took pride in his work there and never took the kindness his co-workers bestowed upon him for granted.

Eric found joy in life’s simple pleasures, whether it was watching NASCAR, WWE, or cheering on the Green Bay Packers. In recent years, he also developed a love for NHRA drag racing, often hoping to catch a glimpse of his nephew in action. Growing up in the Shawano area, he also developed a fondness for dirt track racing and enjoyed attending local races whenever he could. Over the last few months of his life Eric reconnected with his belief in God and spend time reading his Bible daily. “Very truly I tell you, whoever hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life.” John 5:24

Eric is survived by his children: Randy Lee Lawson, Haliegh Edgerton, Sky Edgerton, and Cody Paholke; his mother, Judy (Randy) Tank; sisters Holly Krueger (Rory Schubert), Wendy (Clint) Malueg, and Rachel Konshak (fiancé Ken Kobriger); step-sisters Lynn (Jeremy) Gieser and Amy Tank (Ed Vanderhoof); nieces and nephews Caleb Krueger (Morgan Vandenlangenberg), Austin Krueger, Courtney (Antone) Hanson, Kora, Mason, and Nash Staley, Rozie and Anna Konshak, Briella and Lillian Malueg, Eric Firkowski, Jayden and Auroralena Geiser; great-niece and great-nephews Weston and Elizabeth Hanson, and Eli Krueger; along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

Eric was preceded in death by his father, Richard Styczynski; his grandparents Elmer and Eunice (Bleick) Moericke, Norbert and Agnes (Jaworski) Styczynski; and his uncles, Norman and Wayne Moericke, and aunts, Diane Moericke, Patsy Styczynski.

A celebration of life will be planned at a later date to honor Eric's memory and the lasting impact he had on the lives of those who knew and loved him.