Ivan Myron Wadzinski

Ivan Myron Wadzinski of Bowler, WI, passed peacefully July 25, 2025, just shy of his 92nd birthday surrounded by his children, at ThedaCare in Appleton, WI. He was born on August 23, 1933, in Marathon, Wisconsin, to the late Ervin and Margaret Wadzinski. He graduated from Marathon High School, class of 1951, later served in the U.S. Army before graduating from University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point and receiving a M.S. degree from Purdue University. Ivan dedicated much of his professional life to teaching Chemistry and Statistics, at which he excelled, enjoying every moment.

Ivan lived life to the fullest. He biked with his beloved wife, Ataloa ("Loa") across the country on his recumbent bike and, at the tender age of 60, jumped out of an airplane (without telling his wife), and even started learning to downhill ski and later, ziplining. He loved playing tennis and having coffee with his fellow "hit and giggle" tennis league friends, dominated in ping pong, and never turned down a game of cribbage up until the end.

A true outdoorsman, Ivan enjoyed hunting (including deer hunting with his father, sons and family friends, the Knaufs and the Blocks), annual fishing trips to Canada, and woodworking-particularly pieces crafted with foraged mushrooms from the Stockbridge-Munsee reservation where he and Loa resided for many years (we thank belated Uncle Jeff (Pat) Miller for building their beautiful home). He loved coaching basketball and watching Duke, cooking for his family (especially his signature stuffed green peppers and various Polish dishes), and traveling around the world with Loa and their children. Dancing with Loa was one of his greatest joys, and together they shared 62 years of marriage filled with love and laughter – perhaps because their deal was whoever left had to take all six kids. Ivan was a master storyteller and ran into someone he knew everywhere he went. He loved his wife, children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, family, and community dearly.

He is survived by his three sisters, Marlene Sippl, Adrienne (Roger) Detert and Doris Wadzinski; his children, Brian (Claudia), Al (Laura), Diann (John), Galen (Denise), Kevin (Kristiina), and Karen (Amy); ten grandchildren: Tyler, Keaton, Austin, Lucius, Reilly (Shelly), Taylor, Liliya (Sven), Connor, Kalle (Leeza), and Leevi; and one great-grandchild, Leif. He is further survived by extended family, dear friends, and the many students and athletes whose lives he touched.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Ataloa (Miller) Wadzinski, his parents, and other beloved family members.

A funeral service for Ivan will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday September 6, 2025, at St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church in Gresham. Visitation will take place at Swedberg Funeral Home in Gresham from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm on Friday September 5, 2025, and again at the church from 9:30 am until the time of service. Military honors will be conducted by the Gresham American Legion Post #390 at the cemetery.

The family would like to thank the compassionate staff at the Ella Besaw Center and ThedaCare for their care and kindness. The family would also like to thank Uncle Joe and Aunt Jackie Miller and the Stockbridge-Munsee Community for the assistance and care they provided to Ivan and Loa in their later years. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the charity of your choice in Ivan's honor.