Obit: Waszak, Florence Juliann (1941 – 2021)

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

Surnames: Waszak, Gasior, Tomczak, Czarnecki, Sluzewski, Kliuaga, Talaga

----Source: Cuddie Funeral Home (Loyal, Clark Co., WI) 1/18/2021

Waszak, Florence Juliann (11 February 1941 – 6 January 2021)

Florence J. Waszak ,79, of Withee, passed away on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at her home.

Florence Juliann Tomczak was born at her family farm on a very cold winter's day on February 11, 1941 in the Township of Thorp, the daughter of John and Julia (Gasior) Tomczak. She attended Field School and graduated from Thorp High School in 1959. After high school, Florence attended a 10-week airline stewardess course for TWA at the Patricia Stevens Career College and Finishing School in Minneapolis, MN. She later decided to move to Chicago, where she got a job as a receptionist at the Sokol Company, where they made fillings for pastries. Florence met the love of her life, Ted Waszak, at the Steve Tomczak house in Chicago. They were united in marriage on September 16, 1961 at St. Mary’s Polish National Catholic Church in Lublin. They lived in Chicago until Ted was drafted into the U.S. Army. After his honorable discharge in 1964, they returned to Chicago and Florence worked in the accounting department at Electrolux. They lived in Chicago until Ted retired, at which time they sold their house and moved to Withee in October 2001.

Florence enjoyed many things in her life, such as riding motorcycles and classic cars with Ted, gardening, raising plants, listening and dancing to Polka music. Florence and Ted went to many Polka dances in Illinois, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Most of all, she enjoyed being with her family and friends, whom she loved with all her heart. She was a giving person, and spent considerable time caring for her mother and step-dad.

She currently served on the church council and as the church Secretary and was a very active member of the church and choir.

Florence is survived by her brother: Don Tomczak, Sr. of Withee; one niece: Carol Tomczak of Thorp; one nephew: Donnie Tomczak, Jr. of Marshfield; one foster niece: Marlene (Joe) Czarnecki of Gilman; her cousin: Vickie Sluzewski of Wausau; other relatives and many Polka and family friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her step-father: Ray Kliuaga; her husband, Ted, on February 9, 2010; two brothers: Clarence and Steve Tomczak; and recently lost 2 sisters-in-law: Deb Tomczak of Withee, and Lillian (Wanetta) Tomczak of Thorp.

The family and Donnie Tomczak Jr, wish to thank the following In- Home caregivers for their love and care given to Florence:

Hope Hospice & Palliative Care, Inc. of Medford, Tricia, Megan, Missy, Tracy, Nicole, Ashley and staff; Friend and Home care Specialist: Misty Knauf of Eau Claire; Affinity & Beyond Homecare, LLC. of Marshfield; Andrea & Anna Marie.

Funeral services will be held at 10am on Saturday, January 23, 2021 at St. Mary’s Polish National Catholic Church in Lublin. Rev. Marion Talaga will officiate, and burial will follow in the parish cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church, on Saturday, from 9am until time of service.

In lieu of flowers, Florence would appreciate donations be made to St. Mary's Polish National Catholic Church, PO Box 7, Lublin, WI 54447. An online link to donate will be posted on the funeral home website when available. Please check back.