George J. Wicihowski

George Joseph Clarence Wicihowski, age 83, of Appleton, passed away Wednesday, April 6, 2022, with his family by his side. On March 12, 1939, George was born in Manitowoc to the late Alex and Irene (Blashka) Wicihowski. After graduating from Lincoln High School in 1957, he proudly served his country as Lance Corporal in the United States Marine Corps. On February 8, 1964, George married the love of his life, Mary Rasmussen.

George and Mary relocated to Appleton, WI. Making his wife happy, he bought the house she loved without seeing the inside. They enjoyed 13 years together until the time of her death. Upon which time, George took on becoming both Father and Mother to their three young children. He faced this challenge with strength and determination – the way George faced life.

George’s career path always led him to the grocery business. It started prior to serving his country, where he was the Assistant Manager at the ABC Supermarket. After his service, George worked at Treasure Island as the Store Manager. As his career progressed, he worked for S.C. Shannon as a Candy Buyer and Merchandiser. He would advance to E.J. Brach Corp., where he was promoted to National Account Manager after a year with the company. He won several awards for being Salesman and Vendor of the year throughout his career. George’s success was due to his hard work, strength, and determination. 

George was an active member of St. Thomas More Church. His strong faith and belief in God were significant aspects of his life. Over the years, he enjoyed participating in bible retreats, bible group studies, and organizing gatherings for the parish community. In 1975, George joined the Lion’s Club, through which he was able to help others with disabilities, including the blind and the less fortunate. George had a competitive nature that drove him to succeed in raising awareness and money for others. George had a natural ability for leadership. If he was involved in a project, rest assured he was in charge. Examples of this were shown by organizing brat fries and selling roses and geraniums. George was always willing to give the shirt off his back or lend a helping hand to family, friends, and neighbors.

George had a deep love for his furry friends. They always ate like kings, often sharing his steak or making them their own. George also enjoyed many activities such as weekly ‘breakfasts with the boys’, annual trips to the Indy 500, golfing, bowling, fishing, and playing horseshoes. He was an avid sports lover, including all Wisconsin teams and the Dodgers. Above all, he was the number one fan at his grandkids sporting events.

George’s outgoing personality, great sense of humor, and larger-than-life presence were felt by all. He loved to laugh and joke around, making people feel like they mattered. George was very proud of being a marine and often reminded us, “Once a Marine, always a Marine.” George’s essence will long live on through his family, friends, and those he touched. Until we meet up again, this is George Joseph Clarence Wicihowski signing out.

He is survived by his children; Amy Wicihowski, Mark (Vicki) Wicihowski and Lynn (Jason) Schmitz, grandchildren; Gavin Wicihowski, Alex Wicihowski, Madi Wicihowski, Laken Schmitz (Brittani), Landon Schmitz and Alexa Schmitz (Adam). George is further survived by his brothers and sisters; Rose Marie Stumpf, Jerry (Kathy) Wicihowski, Bob (Linda) Wicihowski, Gene (Jody) Wicihowski, Karen Berzinsky, Shirley Crabtree, Mary (Tom) Tomasik, and Dave (Kathy) Wicihowski, sister-in-law, Betty Rasmussen as well as many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends, especially his special friend, Linda Gleason.

Preceding George in death are his parents, his wife, Mary, brother, Don (Sue) Wicihowski, brothers in law; Tom Crabtree, John Berzinsky, Larry Stumpf, Dick Endries, Aaron Rasmussen, Mark (Janice) Rasmussen, sister-in-law, Mavis Pollack, and not to forget his beloved canine friends: Kooky, Mugzie, Sammy, Duke, and Snowball.

Family and friends may gather on Monday, April 11, 2022, beginning at 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at Valley Funeral Home, 2211 N. Richmond St, Appleton, and again on Tuesday, April 12, 2022, beginning at 9:30 am until the time of service at 10:30 am at St. Thomas More Catholic Church, 1810 N. McDonald St., Appleton with the Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 1:45 pm. Burial will take place at Evergreen Cemetery, Manitowoc.

To the staff at Heartwood Homes Senior Living – Words cannot express our gratitude for the love and care you provided our Dad. You amaze us, and we thank you!

The family would also like to extend a special thank you to the nurses and doctors at St. Elizabeth Hospital ICU for the wonderful care given to George.

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