Obit: Trawicki, Alvin Richard (1942 - 2016)

Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Brooks, Dooley, Gonia, Jesko, Kane, Kinney, Paynter, Punzel, Sromek, Trawicki, Vine, Webster

----Source: The Star News (Medford, WI) 5/25/2016

Trawicki, Alvin "Al, Bear" Richard (21 JUL 1953 - 23 MAY 2016)

Alvin "Al, Bear" Richard Trawicki, 73, died Monday May 23, 2016 at home surrounded by his family.

He was born on July 21, 1942 in Milwaukee, the son of Edwin and Theresa (Gonia) Trawicki.

He was raised in Gilman, WI, and graduated from Gilman High School Class of 1960.

Al married Jacquelyn "Jackie" Vine at St. Paul Catholic Church in Evansville in 1964. He was a member of St. Paul Catholic Church for fifty-one years, U.A.W. Local 95, Evansville Jaycees, American Legion Post 35 and the Woodchucks.

Al worked in construction for four years at Garrett of Madison before going to Fort Lewis Washington serving in the United States Army 32nd Red Arrow Division "Stanley Wisconsin Unit," and then went back to work at Garrett. He then went to work for General Motors in Janesville for 35 years as a “skilled trades” pipe fitter before retiring. After retiring from G.M., he worked several years as a part time appliance repairmen-partner for Marsh and Al's paint and appliance store.

Al was an avid woodworker, and dreamed of starting a woodworking club and mentoring kids, which was fulfilled until he was unable due to his illness. He received the Evansville Volunteer of the Year award in 2009. He loved to make wood items for gifts for friends and family, and also made maple syrup at his cabin in Richland Center, all by hand. He was an avid bear hunter and had some great stories to tell to his kids and grandchildren. He collected antiques and had a large collection of lumber.

Al is survived by his wife Jackie of 51 years; four children: Denise (Brent) Kinney of Cottage Grove, Karl (Becki) Trawicki of Evansville, Amy (Roger) Punzel of Janesville, Alisha (Robert Paynter) Trawicki of Evansville; ten grandchildren: MacKenzie, Kylie, Kaisey Kinney, Kody, Mark, Travis, Kaylee Trawicki, Cassidy, Cami, Braden Punzel; brothers: Jim (Peg) of Gilman, Dan (Kim) of Gilman; sisters: Sylvia Webster of Gilman, Gloria (Myron) Brooks, Jump River; several nieces and nephews; and a special aunt, Ceilia Sromek of Thorp and, and her family.

He was preceded in death by his parents; mother and father in-law, Cliff and Clara (Vine) Kane; and a special aunt, Ceilia Jesko, of West Allis.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 28, 2016 at St. Paul Catholic Church Evansville with Reverend Kevin Dooley officiating. Burial will follow in Holy Cross Cemetery Evansville with Military Rites provided by V.F.W. Post 6905 Evansville.

A visitation will be held from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, May 27, 2016 at Ward-Hurtley Funeral Home Evansville.

A very special thank you for all the wonderful care that Al received from the Wisconsin Dialysis of Fitchburg and also Heartland Hospice of Madison. Everyone of the nurses and doctors did all they could and beyond to keep Al comfortable. Thank you so much for the loving care!

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