Michael “Whitey” Skarzynski, age 64, of Tigerton passed away unexpectedly on Sunday morning, November 13, 2016 at ThedaCare Medical Center, Shawano.
Michael John Skarzynski was born on January 31, 1952 in Milwaukee to John and Viola (Barutt) Skarzynski. He was raised in Milwaukee and graduated from South Division High School in 1971. Whitey met the love of his life, Judy, in 1976 while working together at LaLicata’s Pizza in Milwaukee. He was employed for some time as a welder at Harnischfeger Corporation in Milwaukee. While working in Milwaukee as a welder he started Whitey’s Welding tackling all sorts of custom welding projects. Whitey was united in marriage on June 28, 1980 to Judy A. Bernarde in Wittenberg. In 1981 the couple moved to the area and he continued as sole proprietor as Mike’s Welding and then naming the business Fairbanks Welding of Tigerton. During this same time, Whitey also was employed at Marion Body Works from 1983 to his retirement in 2015. Whitey was an avid racing fan, whether it was ice racing, short track, NASCAR, or watching his son race. His other interests included being outdoors, mushroom picking, and fishing, especially up north on Post Lake. Whitey was always a big Packer and Badger football fan often recording games and races so that he could watch all of them. He was a story teller and had a wonderful sense of humor, but will be remembered most as a devoted husband, a loving dad, and a proud grandpa.
Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Judy; and three children, Stephanie Janke of Cato, WI, Jennifer Wilson of Clintonville, and Matthew (Meagan) Skarzynski of Shawano. There are five grandchildren, Dalton Krueger and Douglas Janke Jr.; and Brianna, Katelyn, and Wesley Wilson. There is one sister, Eileen Negus of Michigan, and one brother, Joe (Leslie) Skarzynski of Green Bay. There are three brothers-in-law, Arnold and Robert Bernarde of Tigerton; and Greg (Sue) Lamondo of Sheboygan. There are two sisters-in-law, Mary (Jerry) Goldsmith and Betty (Daniel) Prichard, both of Milwaukee. Whitey is further survived by many other relatives and friends. He is preceded in death by his parents.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 18th at 3:00 PM at the Beil-Didier Funeral Home, Tigerton. Andrew Grzadzielewski will officiate and burial will follow at Union Cemetery, Tigerton. Visitation will be on Friday from 1:00 PM until time of service at the funeral home.
