Lyon D. "Lonnie" Jelinski

Lyon "Lonnie" D. Jelinski, age 80, of Wisconsin Rapids, WI, passed away surrounded by his family on Friday, January 24, 2025, at Cranberry Court Assisted Living.
A memorial service will be held at 11:00am on Thursday, January 30, 2025, at Ritchay Funeral Home in Wisconsin Rapids, WI. A visitation will be held from 4:00pm – 7:00pm on Wednesday, January 29, 2025, at the funeral home. Visitation will also be held at the funeral home on Thursday from 10:00am until the time of service.
Lonnie was born on December 13, 1944, in Stevens Point, WI to Benedict and Josephine (Gyrion) Jelinski. He graduated from PJ Jacobs High School in Stevens Point in 1964 and then proudly served in the U.S. Army. Lonnie married Virginia Newby on February 22, 1969, in Stevens Point, WI.
Lonnie worked at Consolidated Paper Mill for 38 years.
Lonnie enjoyed fishing, hunting, bowling, and car stock races. He was an avid Packers and Brewers fan. Lonnie spent time on the softball field, playing for Consolidated Paper Mill at Cera Park and later coaching softball for his daughters, where his guidance and encouragement left a lasting impact.
Family and friends were important to Lonnie, he found joy in spending quality time with those he loved.
Lonnie is survived by his daughters, Kellie (Mark) Garski and Janel (Steven Smith) Jelinski; grandchildren, Derek Garski, Riley Garski, Evan Dewitt, and Averi Dewitt; great-granddaughter, Lylah Garski; siblings, Carol (Gary) Collins, Deborah (Dale) Simonson, and Conrad Jelinski; dear friend, John Smihal "Papa John"; and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Virginia; sister, Joyce Finnessy; and brothers, Jerome Jelinski and Rodney Jelinski.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Lonnie's name to Central Wisconsin Gift of Life Organization, which is an organization Lonnie held near and dear to his heart after being a recipient of a kidney transplant 14 years ago.