Paul "PK" Kukuczka

On December 7, 2024, heaven gained a lifelong farmer from the Town of Reid, Paul “P.K.” P. Kukuczka, with family by his side. He was born November 1, 1927, in Mosinee (Peplin) WI, to the late Joseph and Elizabeth Kukuczka.

Paul was a beloved father, husband, grandpa, great grandpa, and friend who lived an incredibly rich life. His life was filled with passions and joys that he shared generously with those around him. He was the true definition of everything a man should be.

 He was a milk hauler for Clover Cream Dairy out of Marshfield, WI. He also loved to talk about his time as a race car driver.

 Paul then bought his father-in-law’s farm. He loved the farm so very much and took great pride in it. He always made farm life fun for his kids. He made the best tire swings, a sled for behind the snowmobile, hid jellybeans in the hay for Easter, made a “boodah” on the hay wagon, grew the best “pickles,” and taught us everything.

 He proudly passed his love of farming onto his son and grandson. He was so proud of how they added to the farm. He continued to help them on the farm every day after retiring as much as he could well into his 90s. He would always say how much he missed it.

 Paul was a very active man. He would roller skate in his younger years and was in many contests where he would jump over things and people. He loved riding his bike every day for exercise and continued to ride well into his 90s. He also loved telling stories about his life.

 Paul’s greatest love was his family, and it is often said that he was the glue that held everyone together. He cherished every moment spent with his children and grandchildren. During the camping season it wasn’t uncommon to see all of his grandchildren follow him around waiting for him to pull out his margarine container full of quarters to finish off the day’s activities by going to the arcade. He always pulled people together even if it was as simple as to gather with those he loved to play a hand of Sheepshead or Rummy. Every grandchild knows how to play Rummy because of him.

 He loved the Packers, Brewers, Nascar and most of all the Milwaukee Bucks. He found passion in his ancestry. He enjoyed Polka festivals, listening to Polka music, and taking a sip of Jezynowka Polish Blackberry Brandy.

 Paul enjoyed cooking and could bake one heck of an apple pie and he would say, “don’t be afraid of the cinnamon!” He loved to tinker and fix things. He was a very social and selfless man and would literally give you the shirt off his back if you needed it.

 He had a love for the outdoors. He loved hunting, fishing, boating, camping (where he built some pretty big campfires earning him the name of pyro Paul), or just sitting on a bench outside enjoying nature. His love of nature was surpassed by his love of his family.

 Nothing was more important to him than all the family gatherings. His love was unconditional and this is something we will cherish and take with us forever. His kindness and generosity will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. He had a heart of gold; we will miss him more than words can say.

Paul and his former spouse Irene Kukuczka had five children together. Paul is survived by his former wife Irene and their loving children, Sue (Dale) Schultz Weston, WI, Rita (David) Sugg Tomah, WI, Randy (MaryKay) Kukuczka Bevent, WI, Rose (Stash) Kukuczka Weston, WI, and Eric (Michelle) Kukuczka Riverview, FL. He was an amazing grandpa to his grandchildren Melanie (Ian) Draheim, Kyle (Tessa) Schultz, Crystal McGreck, Miranda (Isaac) Robinette, Leeland (Becca) McGreck, Travis (Brittany) McGreck, Austin Kukuczka, Curtis Kukuczka , Allie Kukuczka and his great- grandchildren Dante, Elliana, Jack, Hayden, Jonah, Ryder, Rowan, Ryland, Avery, Maverick, Merceydeis, Maeghan, Bentley, Mason, Ashton, and Myles.

 He was preceded in death by his parents, as well as his sisters Mary, Anna, Martha, Agnes, Helen, Rose, Theresa, his brothers Joe, Frank, John, Michael and his grandson Joshua Zimick.

Family and faith were incredibly important to him. He was devoted to his Catholic faith.

 In lieu of flowers we ask you to make donations, to Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice, 520 North 32nd Avenue, Wausau, WI 54401. 

 A Mass of Christian Burial will take place on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 11:00 a.m., at St. Ladislaus Catholic Church, Bevent. The Rev. Aaron Becker will officiate. Burial will take place at St. John the Baptist Cemetery, Peplin. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m., until the time of service, all at the church. Beste Funeral Home, Mosinee, is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences can be made at www.bestefh.com.

 Paul’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Sister Mary Ellen, Dr. Osawald, Dr. Baker and especially the wonderful staff at Aspirus Hospice for their exceptional care and compassion during a difficult time.