Harriet M. Hutnik, 99
Harriet M. Hutnik, of Stevens Point, passed away unexpectedly at Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital on Friday, February 16, 2024, at the age of 99.
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Harriet was born July 27, 1924, in Stevens Point, the daughter of the late Victor and Angeline (née Szpiska) Pientka. Harriet was born and raised in the Mill Creek area and grew up with 12 beloved siblings.
As a young adult, Harriet moved to Chicago, where she met her future husband, Andrew Hutnik. When she saw him, she knew he was “the one.” They lived on the south side of Chicago in a neighborhood casually known as “The Bush.” Later, the two relocated to the southern suburbs of Chicago where they raised their five children.
Harriet had multiple jobs but the majority of her career was spent working for the Illinois Central Railroad in Chicago, where she worked as a secretarial clerk. Upon retiring into their golden years, the two relocated to Junction City, Wis., where they ran a bait shop at their home. A home that was lovingly known as “the farm” to the family.
Harriet loved gardening, canning, baking, sewing, polka dances, working on puzzles, and playing cards and dice games. She was a great aunt to many nieces and nephews and enjoyed them all. She loved having her grandchildren stay with her for weeks in the summer and spoiled them all with special recipes like Blean, which is a fried dough served with sugar or other sweet condiments. She was a longtime member of Saint Bartholomew Church in Mill Creek and was an active member of the AMVET society for many years. Harriet had an infectious smile and brought so much love to so many.
Harriet is survived by her children, Michael Hutnik, Andrea (Louie) Patrizi, Dolly Ptak, Jim (Kathi) Hutnik, and Sandra (Mark) Wadina; grandchildren, Tracy (John) Harkins, Michael (Rachel) Hutnik, David (Jackie) Hutnik, Tom Salin, Kayli Salin, and Alex Hutnik; great-grandchildren, John Harkins, Alaina Harkins, Addie Hutnik, and Michael Harkins; and step-grandchildren, Adam (Rachael) Wadina, Michael (Alanna) Wadina, and Rachel Wadina. She is further survived by four sisters, Lorraine Pientka, Francis (Louie) Lehman, Mary Pientka, and Dolores Soik; and many nieces and nephews.
Harriet was preceded in death by her husband, Andrew; seven brothers, Anton, Eugene, William, Edward, Alex, Vincent, and Victor “Pinky” Pientka; and one sister, Ann Laczkowski.
“Mom, words cannot express how much you will be missed. But we know you are in Heaven with God, where you will be our Angel watching over us.”
For those wishing to express their sympathies, the family kindly suggests in lieu of flowers, donations be made that will go toward a memorial in Harriet’s name to be established at a later date.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, February 23, 2024, at Saint Bartholomew Catholic Church, 2493 County Rd. M, Stevens Point. Rev. Dennis Stanchik will officiate. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Saint Bartholomew’s Parish Cemetery.
Shuda Funeral Home is honored to be assisting the family. Online condolences may be sent by visiting www.shudafuneral.com.
