Harry Krysiak Jr., 89, Pulaski, passed away Tuesday, November 14, 2023, at Good Shepherd Nursing Home, Seymour.

Harry was born on May 11 ^th , 1934, in Pulaski, to Harry and Theresa Krysiak.  He graduated as class salutatorian from Pulaski High School in 1952, and he graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Stout, with a Bachelor of Science, in 1956.  Also, in 1956, he married his college sweetheart, Mary Jane Gargulak.  Together, they moved to Stevenson, MI, where they taught at the high school until 1958.  They then settled in Pulaski, helping his parents with the family farm – eventually building a house and raising a family on this same land.

Harry taught at Pulaski High School from 1958 to 1962, when he accepted a position at the Green Bay Correctional Institution, teaching sheet metal and drafting classes.  In 1964, he earned his Master's Degree in Vocational Administration from the University of Wisconsin – Stout.  In 1989 he retired from the Wisconsin Department of Corrections as the Vocational Education Director at GBCI.

Harry was an active member of Assumption BVM Catholic Parish, serving as a church usher for over 20 years.  In addition, he was one of a few parishioners who established the church produce stand which provided a significant source of fundraising revenue for the parish for many years.  He was also very involved in the Lion's Club, working diligently for the betterment of the community.  And he was instrumental in the renovation of the Pulaski Historical Society.

Having grown up on the family farm in Pulaski, Harry developed a hard work ethic and a life-long love of the land where his grandparents first settled.  Although he made his career in teaching and educational administration, he maintained an active hobby farm at home, growing many different fruits and vegetables, and occasionally raising chickens, rabbits, and other livestock.  Harry's "farm" was also home to countless birds who never found an empty feeder.  When he wasn't tending to his farm, he could often be found on White Clay Lake reeling in bluegills, sunfish, and perch.  Harry loved to share all these hobbies with his kids, always making time to show them how to till the soil, plant a tree or build a birdhouse… all the while, quietly passing on a respect for nature and an understanding of a job well-done.   And, no matter how busy his schedule, he made time to take them fishing, teaching them how to cast a line and patiently reel it in – always treating them to a bag of Funyons and a can of Sundrop from the lodge.

No matter what Harry did, he did it with love and generosity.  Rarely did someone leave Harry's home without a gift – sometimes Polish sausage, cheese or homemade pickles… and sometimes a gift of money to help you get back on your feet.  And, rarely did someone part ways with Harry without a new joke or funny anecdote in their pocket.  Sure, if you spent a lot of time with Harry, some of them were familiar, but he was so good at telling a story and delivering a perfectly-timed punchline that it was always fun to listen anyway.  He's probably up in heaven right now telling Jane about the "pig who squealed".

Harry is survived by four children, David (Becky) Krysiak, Steve (Tina) Krysiak, Mike (Dawn) Krysiak, and Mary (Tom) Fidler; 13 grandchildren, Ryan Krysiak, Ethan Krysiak, Justin Krysiak, Joshua Krysiak, Katie Krysiak, Thomas J. Krysiak, Tyler Krysiak, Alex Krysiak, Claire Krysiak, Audrey Krysiak, Madeline Fidler, Ella Fidler, Will Fidler; one great grandchild, Aiden Krysiak, and a sister, Elaine Harper.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Jane Krysiak; two sons, Paul Krysiak, Tom Krysiak; and five siblings, Adeline Mleczko, Alice Johnson, Leonard Krysiak, Val Mroczynski, and Connie Ivan.

Harry was truly one of a kind and will be dearly missed by the many people who called him Dad, Grandpa, brother, uncle, teacher, mentor and friend.  Thank you to all who shared his joys and sorrows during his journey of life.

As per Harry's wishes, a private family graveside service will be held in Assumption BVM Cemetery, Pulaski.

Memorial donations may be directed in Harry's name to: Pulaski Lions Foundation, PO Box 671, Pulaski, WI 54162.

Online condolences may be offered to the Krysiak family at www.marnochafuneralhome.com or on the Marnocha Funeral Home Facebook page.