Wallace “Wally” A. Stanczyk, 92

Wallace “Wally” A. Stanczyk, of Stevens Point, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2024, at Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital, with his daughter, Karen, and cousin, Patti, by his side, at the age of 92.

Wally was born November 1, 1931 in the Town of Bevent; son of the late John and Frances (née Klinger) Stanczyk. Growing up in rural Wisconsin, Wally experienced his early education in a one-room schoolhouse. His childhood was also spent helping out on the family farm until he was old enough to enter the workforce.

From a young age, Wally was a hard worker; calling in sick was not in his vocabulary. He dedicated his work ethic to Hatley Veneer Mill, Joerns Healthcare, and eventually Vetter Manufacturing, in which he retired from in 1996. However, retirement was not enough to keep Wally’s tenacity satisfied. He found a part-time job at Hilltop Pub & Grill as a dishwasher. He was happy to play a role there for a few years until he decided to retire, for real.

While Wally knew the value of hard work, he also knew the value of family; his family was of the most value to him. On December 26, 1967, he married the love of his life, Alvina A. Konopacki. A year later, the two happily welcomed a daughter, Karen, on December 4, 1968. Alvina and Wally spent over 55 years together as husband and wife, until Alvina’s passing on October 19, 2023. Wally would have done anything for his family, as long as they were happy.

Wally will be fondly remembered by many in the community as an usher at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, formerly known as St. Stanislaus. He proudly served this role for many years, and when Wally was on the schedule, you could always rely on him to be there. In fact, Wally’s faith was another important aspect of his life, and he made sure to pray the rosary every day.

Wally had numerous interests and activities, but one that stood out was music. Wally not only loved music, he played music. He was a drummer for various Polka bands for over 50 years. He played for the Polka Stars and Duane Burclaw’s Golden Aces, to name a couple. Furthermore, Wally treasured the people he met through his years of music, even traveling for Polka events, leading to friendships stretching all across the U.S.A. While he did eventually retire from drumming, he couldn’t stop the music from running through his veins; he then decided to learn how to play the concertina.

Wally’s other various interests included traveling for non-Polka events, going out to eat, word search puzzles, watching TV, and tinkering around the house. While he may not have known how to fix everything, he sure would try. In his younger days, he was an avid bowler and participated in a league with his co-workers from Vetter Manufacturing.

He also loved yard work; taking great pride in having a perfect lawn. In fact, if a leaf fell on the grass, he was sure to get out there and pick it up right away. He also enjoyed time in the kitchen, making apple pies and applesauce as well as going for car rides and reminiscing about “the good ol’ days”. Above all, Wally was a fun-loving, family-first, soft spoken man who would go out of his way to help whoever he could, whenever he could, wherever it was needed. He truly had a heart of gold….maybe even green and gold for the Packers; his favorite team.

Wally is survived by his daughter, Karen.

Wally was preceded in death by his parents, eight siblings, and his wife, Alvina.

For those wishing to express their sympathies, the family kindly suggests in lieu of flowers, donations be made to Operation Bootstrap (5000 Heffron Street, Stevens Point, Wis. 54481) or Pacelli Catholic Schools (1301 Maria Drive, Stevens Point, Wis. 54481) – two of Wally’s favorite charities. Please add a note, “In Memory of Wallace Stanczyk” to any donations.

The family would like to extend a special, heartfelt thank you to the ICU staff at Aspirus Stevens Point Hospital, for taking such good care of Wally during his stay.

A funeral service will be held in honor of Wally at 11 a.m. on Monday, January 8, 2024, at Shuda Funeral Home, 3200 Stanley Street, Stevens Point. Friends and family are invited to gather and share memories on Monday at the funeral home from 10 a.m. until the time of service. The service will also be livestreamed for those who are unable to attend. Burial will follow at Guardian Angel Cemetery.

“Dad, to the world you were one person, but to me, you were the world. I will love you and miss you forever, but find comfort in knowing that you and Mom are together again.” ~ Karen