Andrew “Jack” Gazdik
Andrew “Jack” Gazdik, 85, of Turtle Lake, Wis., died Thursday, March 14, 2013.
Andrew “Jack” Gazdik, 85, of Turtle Lake, Wis., died Thursday, March 14, 2013, at Sacred Heart Hospital in Eau Claire, Wis.
He was born Dec. 4, 1927, in Ino, Wis., to Jacob and Veronica (Mikes) Gazdik. Jack graduated from Iron River High School and then Northland College in Ashland with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, later receiving his teaching and master’s degree. During his time at Northland, he was known as the “Ino Flash” and held the record for most rushing yards for many years. During college, he was invited to play for a professional football team, the New York Yanks, but declined.
Jack was married in Iron River on Nov. 25, 1950, to Mona Henkel. In 1951, he began his teaching career in Iron River. From 1952-1988, he taught at Turtle Lake High School, teaching math and science, and also coaching football and track.
He leaves us with many fond memories and family traditions such as Sunday soup, fish fries, crafts such as tip-up flags and wooden crayons, signaling Santa and the founder of the famous “Ino 200” Woodtick Races. Jack (known as “Bum-Bum” to his grandchildren) was an avid hunter and fisherman. He loved watching the birds, bears, turkey, deer and many other critters in his yard. The unconditional love he had for his family and friends was shown by his generosity of supplying them with fish fillets, wild mushrooms, blueberries, canned goods and pompushki (fried bread) and anything else needed. His students will never forget his “little people” and his love for cherry pie. Jack, as the storyteller we knew, will be sadly missed by all.
Jack is survived by his wife, Mona of Turtle Lake; five children, David (Gloria) Gazdik of New Richmond, Janice (Craig) Henrichs of Milwaukee, Jacquelyn (Ken) Sparish of Cumberland, Andrea “Kuba” (Steve) Schilke of Almena and Paula (Pat) Kelly of Waukesha, Wis.; 14 grandchildren, Jeremy, Jason, Shellie, Jamie, Kristin, Justin, Julie, Shannon, Anne, Yvonne, Adrienne, Ericha, Jenna and Megan; 18 great-grandchildren, Jack, JuliAnna, Jennessa, Blaine, Kara, Owen, Carlee, Kristina, Kiara, Desiree, Damen, Dylan, Jacob, Brody, Andrew, Landon, Kinley and Abraham; and two sisters, Irene Sorenson of Moorhead, Minn., and Lucele Gadda of Black Earth, Wis. Jack was preceded in death his son, Gary Gazdik, six brothers, Vincent, Joseph, Paul, Carl, Thomas “John” and Eugene “Fuzzy,” and three sisters, Ann Andrus, Pauline Whalen and Verna Girga.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2 p.m. Sunday, March 17, 2013, at St. Ann Catholic Church, Turtle Lake, Wis., with Father Tom Thompson officiating. Burial will be in St. Ann Catholic Cemetery, Turtle Lake. Pallbearers are Jeremy Gazdik, Jason Gazdik, Justin Henrichs, Julie Johnson, Damen Feiertag and Dylan Feiertag. Military honors were accorded by Donalds-Hylkema Post 137 American Legion of Turtle Lake. Visitation and time to say goodbye will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Saturday at the Skinner Funeral Home in Turtle Lake and 30 minutes prior to Mass on Sunday at the church. www.skinnerfh.com, 800-822-8535
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