Obit: Gwiazda, Michael Sr. (1924 – 2020)

Transcriber: stan@wiclarkcountyhistory.org

Surnames: Sindler, Gwiazda, Malecki, Figura, Sherman, Wachsmuth, Foelly, Meeker, Dus, Laird, Starr, Przybylski, Wellner, Selewone

----Source: THORP COURIER 12 Aug 2020

Gwiazda, Michael Sr. (29 JUL 1924 – 7 AUG 2020)

Michael Gwiazda, age 96, of Stanley, WI, formerly of Thorp, WI, passed away at Our Lady of Victory Hospital, in Stanley, on Friday, August 7, 2020. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, August 13, 2020, at Thorp Funeral Home. Pastor John Sindler will officiate, and burial will follow in Holy Trinity Ukrainian Cemetery, rural Thorp. Pallbearers will be: Nick Gwiazda, James Gwiazda, Mathew Gwiazda, Michael Gwiazda III, Gregory Gwiazda, and Russell Malecki. Military rites will be conducted by the Thorp American 'Legion Post #118. Visitation will be held at the funeral home, on Thursday, from 10:00 a.m. until time of service.

Michael Gwiazda was born on July 29, 1924, in the Town of Roosevelt, rural Lublin, WI, the son of Nicholas and Mary (Figura) Gwiazda. He was raised on the family farm and received his education in Roosevelt area schools. After completing his education, Mike enlisted into the U.S. Air Force and served from October 9, 1942, until his honorable discharge on January 6, 1946. After returning from the service, Mike moved to Chicago and worked for Superior Plastics until moving to Janesville, Wisconsin in 1947, where he worked for the A1 Sherman Trucking Company. He was united in marriage to Marian P. Wachsmuth on June 21, 1947. They later divorced. In 1949, he purchased a farm near Lublin. In addition to working on the farm, he worked for Foelly Brothers, in Holcombe, building the Northern States Power Dam. He later sold the farm and began working for the Keebler Company in Wausau. Mike then bought another farm in Gilman, and also drove truck for Foremost Foods, in Owen, from 1952 until retiring in 1982. Mike was united in marriage to Judith A. Meeker on February 14, 1990. He then devoted his time to the Thorp American Legion and Holy Trinity Ukrainian Church, as the custodian and president of the church. In 2017, they moved to Stanley, where he resided until his death.

He had many interests, but especially enjoyed playing concertina in his band "The Polka Stars." He enjoyed playing the concertina for the residents at the Home Place and for many other gatherings. Mike was fascinated with aircrafts. He was a student pilot and had the opportunity to fly a Cessna airplane.

Mike was a member of the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Church and the Thorp American Legion Post #118.

He is survived by his three children: Doreen (Dean) Dus of Cadott, Brian (Bonnie) Gwiazda of Navarre, FL, Lorie Gwiazda (Mike Laird) of Holcombe; 13 grandchildren; 21 great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Judith; two sons: Michael and Jeff Gwiazda; three brothers: John Starr, Walter Gwiazda and Joseph Gwiazda in infancy; and five sisters: Mary Przybylski, Estelle Wellner, Katherine Przybylski, Sophie Gwiazda and Anna Selewone.

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