Obit: Skrzypchak, Gerard M. (1952 - 2018)
Transcriber: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org
Surnames: Kraimer, Penrose, Radomski, Rajek, Ryan, Skrzypchak, Snopl, Wera,
Woodward
----Source: The Record - Review (Abbotsford, WI) 2/27/2018
Skrzypchak, Gerard M. (2 NOV 1952 - 25 FEB 2018)
As the house chimes rang loudly in the winter wind, Gerard M. Skrzypchak, 65,
died peacefully on Sunday, Feb. 25, 2018, with family at his side.
Gerard was born in Wausau on Nov. 2, 1952, son of the late John Jr. and Dorothy
(Kraimer) Skrzypchak. He grew up on the family farm in the Town of Cassel,
Marathon. He was a graduate of Marathon High School and attended NTC.
Gerard loved to work. His first job was as yard foreman at Modern Builders and
Suppliers. After one week, he was given a raise. During his time there he also
built his first of five houses, nights and weekends. In 1979 he began his career
as the plant projects manager at Wisconsin Public Service, starting with the
construction of the Weston 3 Power Plant. He learned mechanical, environmental,
electrical and civil engineering on the job.
In 2011 he was a team presenter at the International Coal Ash Conference in
Denver, explaining how fly ash was used for landfill to extend the east end of
the CWA runway to create a safety way. He had State of Wisconsin, Department of
Natural Resources, Solid Waste Disposal Facility Operator Certification.
He was assigned to be the underground connections go-to person when Weston 4 was
started and needed to be connected to Weston 3. He was recognized by the
Washington Group Construction Management team for performing the duties
efficiently with no accidents or delays in construction.
Gerard retired Dec. 31, 2013, after 34-1/2 years at WPSC. He returned there in
March 2014 as a contracted consultant and was required to take safety training
as a new worker. He had created the Powerpoint training while at WPSC. (Note: he
passed the training.) He hired on to River View Construction in 2015 as a
project manager until illness forced him to hang up his hard hat and yellow
reflector vest in November 2016.
Gerard stoically endured partial tongue and neck lymph node removal, chemo and
radiation treatments. He was the first patient at Marshfield Clinic - Weston
that did not use pain medication during treatment. The radiation oncologist was
astounded! Gerard credited Lily, the family’s cockapoo dog, for relieving his
stress and pain, and bringing joy into the house.
Gerard married Jayne Snopl on Aug. 23, 1975, in Wausau, and she survives.
He was the proud father of two sons, Lee Skrzypchak (spouse Dawn Woodward) of
Los Angeles and Joel Skrzypchak (spouse Emma Radomski) of Wauwatosa.
Gerard became a grandpa in 2016. Barrett Cassius Skrzypchak was the light of his
life. Gerard loved watching “Bear’s” antics on Facetime.
He is survived by his siblings, Sy (Terri) Wera, Cable, Theresa (Harry) Penrose,
Schofield, Mary (David) Rajek, Marathon, Dale (Deborah) Skrzypchak, Wausau, and
Trudy Ryan, Weston; many nieces and nephews; and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister, Mary Ann.
Gerard was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau, for over 40 years
and was instrumental to the construction of the recent Gathering Space addition.
The funeral Mass will be celebrated at noon on Saturday, March 3, 2018, at St.
Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Robert Thorn will preside. Burial will be
in the St. Mary Cemetery, Marathon. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9 a.m.
until the time of service at the church.
Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau, is in charge of
arrangements.
Online condolences may be expressed at
www.petersonkraemer.com.
In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
Gerard read this life story, and wanted to add that everyone should always
remember to be thankful and positive for the wonderful life they were given.
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