Obit: Zurakowski, Walter John #2 (1960 - 2011)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon

Email: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Zurakowski, Soborowicz, Nitz, Vetterkind, Ranch, Offord, Cromley, Stuttgen,

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI.) September 7, 2011

Zurakowski, Walter John (18 July 1960 - 27 August 2011)

Walter J. Zurakowski, age 51, of Thorp, passed away on Saturday, August 27, 2011, at St. Joseph’s Hospital, in Marshfield.  No formal services will be held. A memorial gathering will be held at the Thorp Funeral Home, on Saturday, September 17, 2011, from 10 a.m. until 12 noon.

Walter John Zurakowski was born on July 18, 1960, at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield, the son of John W. and Frances (Soborowicz) Zurakowski. He received his education in Thorp, graduating from Thorp High School in 1978.  After graduating from high school, Wally worked in the Twin cities in a lead foundry for a few years, before returning to Thorp and working on the family farm.  He took over the family farm after his parents retired, and has resided there until his death.

In his spare time, Wally loved making wine, riding his Harley-Davidson motorcycle, fishing, and tinkering in his shop.  He also kept track of the livestock, cheese and dairy markets on a daily basis.

He was a member of ABATE, and former member of the Rock Dam Rod & Gun Club.

He is survived by his mother, Frances Zurakowski, of Stanley; four children: Eric Zurakowski, Ryan Zurakowski, Samantha Zurakowski and Travis Nitz, all of Thorp; seven siblings: Jacqueline (Raymond) Vetterkind of Thorp, Judy (Steve) Ranch of Woodbury, MN, Lori (Jerome) Offord of Arizona, Patrick Zurakowski of Thorp, Kathy (Tad) Cromley of Sarasota, FL, Karen (Joel) Stuttgen of Fall Creek, and Tom (Edwina) Zurakowski of Silverdale, WA; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father, John W. Zurakowski.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the charity of your choice.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.

Thorp Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.