Obit: Harycki, Conrad Paul (1930 - 2016)

Contact: Dolores (Mohr) Kenyon
E-mail: dolores@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Harycki, Olejnizcak, Fitzl, Jasper, Stone, Tuggle, Chura, Gilberts

----Source: Thorp Courier (Thorp, Clark Co., WI) 1/13/2016

Harycki, Conrad Paul (27 June 1930 - 7 January 2016) With Flag

Conrad Paul Harycki, 85, of Chippewa Falls, WI, died peacefully on Thursday, January 7, 2016 at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, WI.

He was born on June 27, 1930, in Thorp, WI to Bernard and Victoria (Olejnizcak) Harycki, both of whom emigrated from Poland. Conrad grew up on the family farm in Thorp, and then married Donna Jean Fitzl on August 18, 1953.

Conrad was a godly, compassionate man who lived his faith and instilled in his family a Christian heritage. Together with his wife, he took his family to church every Sunday during their youth. He insisted his family rise up early every morning and would always say, even if it was raining, “Get up! You’re wasting God’s beautiful day!” His words echo in our hearts still today.

Conrad was a man of vision who embraced a strong work ethic and set examples that others could emulate. Conrad worked on the railroad, was a businessman, postal worker and salesman - most notably in the home improvement industry with his sons in Texas - until his retirement.

During the Korean Conflict, Conrad served with the U. S. Army as a combat engineer and a fireman on the plane crash crew in the Panama Canal Zone. He completed his tour of duty there and was then honorably discharged.

Growing things was so enjoyable for him. Conrad produced beautiful gardens almost his whole life - their bounty blessed so many people. He was an avid fisherman on the Great Lakes with his family and friends. Over the many years, they put a serious dent in the fish populations in Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. He was a seasoned hunter and sportsman.

Conrad’s life was characterized by a genuinely beautiful way of relating to people with his love, joy, humor, and kind and gentle spirit. He loved God, people, and life. He was proud of his Polish roots, with its traditions, language, polka music and foods. Conrad and Donna were second to none in Polish dance in their day!

Conrad had the ability to see beauty in life in simple things - because of what they could be.

He is survived by his beloved, devoted wife, Donna, of 62 years; their five children: Marilyn (Gerald) Jasper, Chippewa Falls, WI, Thomas (Renee) Harycki, West Bend, WI, Virginia (Ronald) Stone, Austin, TX, David (Susan) Harycki, Houston, TX, Steven (Veronica) Harycki, Austin, TX, and daughter-in-law, Sandra (Gale) Tuggle , Pagosa Springs, CO. His grandchildren are: Brian, Michael (Laura), Mark, Courtney, Kellie, Ronnie (Eileen), Jennifer (Colby), Doug (Brandie), Danny (Brittany), Lucy, Max, Kristin (Ben), Mikah; and 13 great-grandchildren, all of whom were precious to Conrad and of whom he was very proud.

Further surviving are Conrad’s brothers: Edmond (Martha) Harycki, Milwaukee, WI, Vernon Harycki, Thorp, WI; and sisters-in-law: Annette (Louis) Chura, Thorp, WI and Doris Gilberts, Thorp, WI.

Conrad is preceded in death by his parents; son, Michael Harycki; and sister, Irene (Joe) Olejnizcak.

He was a lifelong member of the American Legion and a member of Holy Ghost Catholic Church in Chippewa Falls, WI.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held Tuesday, January 12, 2016, at 12:00 noon at St. Bernard-St. Hedwig Catholic Church in Thorp, WI. Visitation was held at the church at 11:00 a.m.

Military honors were conducted by the Thorp American Legion Post 118. Interment will be held at a later date.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.  Thorp Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements.