Richard J. Wanserski

1923 - 2017

Wanserski, Richard J.

Richard (Butch) J. Wanserski, 94, passed away peacefully at St. Michael's Hospital, Stevens Point on October 29, 2017, following a brief illness. He resided at Willow Brooke Senior Living Center for the past year. Richard was born on January 3, 1923, in Galloway, Wisconsin to the late John & Elizabeth (Kruzicki) Wanserski. He was never married.

Richard graduated High School in Rosholt, Wisconsin and attended the Central State College in Stevens Point. He held three different jobs before joining the Army Air Corp in November, 1942. Richard became a 2nd Lieutenant & Co-pilot, flying B-17 bombers with the 398th bomb group of the 603rd bomb squadron, stationed in England. On only his fifth flying mission over Meersburg, Germany, his plane was shot down forcing him to bail out and land in a farm field. He was captured by the Germans on November 2, 1944 and held as a prisoner of war (POW) for six months. One of the prisons he was held at was Stalag Luft III, the same prison where English prisoners made the "Great Escape". After being liberated by General Patton, Richard returned home from the War to Rosholt, Wisconsin. He took some time off and enlisted in the Air Force serving from April 13, 1953 to October 31, 1956. Richard was involved with the original charter application for the Rosholt American Legion Post 509. He was a proud lifetime Charter member. Richard worked in Milwaukee for a while and then moved to California taking a job as a postal service employee for 30 years. He retired in 1986 and remained in California for several years prior to moving back to Wisconsin. He was an avid golfer taking advantage of time off and golfing 36 holes in one day at times. He sponsored and supported a female student from Romania while she attended and graduated college in San Diego, allowing her to pursue a successful career as a Nurse Practitioner. Richard loved traveling, especially the European countries, Poland, Germany and also Africa. Every summer he would drive from California to Wisconsin, Texas, Georgia, Missouri, Arizona, and Illinois making a point to visit many relatives along the way. His numerous nieces and nephews looked forward to their Uncle's visits as he always brought tales of adventures and an occasional futuristic gadget to play with. His favorite baseball team was the Chicago Cubs and always said, "I would love to live to see the Cubs win the World Series before I die". And so he did. Richard is survived by his sister Dorothy Pozolinski of Appleton. He is also survived by his brother-in-law, Ray Zielinski of Menasha and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. Richard was preceded in death by his parents, John and Elizabeth Wanserski, siblings, Gertrude (Felix Stanislawski), Ervin (Alvina)Wanserski, Leonard (Larry) (Mary) Wanserski, Danny (Irene) Wanserski, Ralph (Ina) Wanserski, Julane Zielinski, Maxine (Conrad) Ostrowski. Richard and his four brothers held a notable distinction of all serving in World War II, gone from home at the same time. Richard had many family members taking care of his every need, including niece Linda Check, Jeanne Binder, Mary Hobson, nephew Frank & Terry Stanislawski. Special thanks to Willow Brooke staff for their loving care. He was truly one of a kind, so very loved by all his family and will forever be missed. At Richard's request, there will be no funeral service. A burial service will be scheduled for the Spring of 2018 with full military rites at Wisconsin Veterans Cemetery King. A memorial will be established in his name to the Ageless Aviation Dreams Foundation. Pisarski Funeral Homes are honored to be serving the family. For online condolences please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com