John O. Strzyzewski, age 81, a resident of Manitowoc, entered in eternal life on Thursday, December 24, 2020 at his home.
John was born on June 18, 1939 in Manitowoc to the late Harry and Margaret (Krueger) Strzyzewski. He graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1957. John played minor league baseball for four years in Lynchburg, VA, Erie, PA, and Bismarck, ND for the Washington Senators, which later became the Minnesota Twins. He served his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps Reserves in 1961 until an industrial accident resulting in the loss of his right hand led to his honorable discharge in 1963. On June 8, 1963, John married Nancy Breivogel in Two Rivers at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. He worked for Mirro as a standards technician for 39 years, and then he worked at the YMCA for 15 years as a jobs coach assisting special needs workers. John was a man of many hobbies and interests. First and foremost, he enjoyed sports. He liked playing recreational softball, basketball, football and golf. John was also an avid Brewers, Packers and Badgers fan. He also loved the outdoors – fishing, hunting, camping, and boating. John also enjoyed wood working, gardening, watching game shows, and playing cards – especially with his monthly sheepshead club. Above all, John was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.
Survivors include John’s wife of 57 years, Nancy; three sons, David (Carol) Strzyzewski, Two Rivers; Peter (Michael Barry) Strzyzewski, Alexandria, VA; and Corey Strzyzewski, Reno, NV; five grandchildren, Daniel, Angelina, Christopher, Bradley, and Andrew (Beth); five great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Mary Ann Wegner, Two Rivers; a brother, Roger (Mary) Strzyzewski, Manitowoc; and a sister-in-law, Lynne Strzyzewski. John was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Margaret Strzyzewski; and a brother, Ronald Strzyzewski.
Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 916 Pine Street, Manitowoc with Rev. Matt Zimpelmann officiating. Military rites will be accorded by Vietnam Veterans of America at church immediately following the memorial service. A luncheon will then be held for family and friends at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 North Water Street, Manitowoc, located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home. With cremation taken place, a burial will be held at Knollwood Memorial Gardens at a later date. The family will greet relatives and friends at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com
In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions are made in John’s name to the following organizations:
Manitowoc Golden K Kiwanis (920) 242-1919
Gumby’s Club for a Cure www.gumbysclubforacure.org.
John’s family would like to thank the staff of Aurora At Home Hospice and River’s Bend Health and Rehabilitation for the care and compassion they provided.
The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.
