Gerald "Jerry" Ryczek, Lyndon Station, WI (1939-2015)

July 18, 2015

February 18, 1939-July 16, 2015

Gerald “Jerry” Ryczek, 76, of Lyndon Station, WI, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family Thursday, July 16, 2015. Jerry was born Feb. 18, 1939, the son of John and Marie (Liegel) Ryczek. He graduated from Mauston High School in 1957, and worked for a short time at General Motors in Janesville, WI. He was drafted into the U.S. Army, served from 1960 to 1962 and was honorably discharged. He returned to GM where he eventually retired in 1988, after 30 years of service. In 1965 he married Ilene Rogge in Madison. They lived in Janesville and moved to Lyndon Station in 1989, where Jerry continued to stay busy. He was a member of the American Legion Post 81 of Mauston, United Auto Workers Union Local 95 of Janesville, Pheasants Forever, and served as the custodian at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and was the St. Mary’s Cemetery groundskeeper for almost 18 years. Jerry took a trip to Alaska with his nephew, Pat Senzig; he was a loyal Packers, Badgers and Brewers fan; enjoyed hunting, fishing, traveling and playing cards; he was a handyman and often tinkered in his garage; and his favorite holiday was deer season. Most important was spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren.

Jerry is survived by his wife of 50 years, Ilene; sons, Dan (Kathi) of South Beloit, IL, and Kevin (Candy) of Janesville; daughters, Doreen (Jeff) Bailey of Fitchburg, WI, and and Anissa Welch of Milton, WI; grandchildren: Casey, Erin, Shane, Nate, Kate, Lindsay, Jerry, Kyle, Kayla, Jake and Ted; great-grandchildren: Madison, Chad, Aiden, Owen, Ashton and Sabrina. He was preceded in death by his parents; and a brother, Eugene “Scoop”.

The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, July 20, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at ST. MARY'S CATHOLIC CHURCH in Lyndon Station with Father Antony Arokiyam celebrating. Military honors will be provided by the American Legion Post 81 of Mauston. Visitation will be held at the CONWAY PICHA FUNERAL HOME in Lyndon Station on Sunday, July 19, 2015, from 3 until 7 p.m. and at the funeral home on Monday from 9:30 until 10:45 a.m. and then proceed to the church. The CONWAY-PICHA FUNERAL HOME AND CREMATORY of Lyndon Station, WI, assisted the family with arrangements. For On-Line condolences and information, go to www.pichafuneralhome.com