John Paul Sczygelski, age 86, of Merrill, passed away on Friday, June 21, 2024, at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was born on May 28, 1938 to the late Adam and Anna (Kordus) Sczygelski at home in the town of Scott. John attended St. Francis Catholic School, as well as Merrill Vocational School. He proudly and bravely served his country in the United States Army, from 1961-1963, until his honorable discharge. John then met the love of his life, his best friend and soul mate, Helen Storm, and the two were united in marriage on October 15, 1966 in Merrill, a union lasting 57 years. She survives.
John was a dairy farmer for most of his life, until he retired in 2001. He loved being out in the barn, caring for the cattle or working in the fields, not to mention making sure the barn kitties had everything they needed! John also worked as a mason and did logging in the winter. He also enjoyed making maple syrup and smoking sausage. John was an outdoorsman, he loved being outside, whether it was deer hunting with his brothers, elk hunting in Wyoming or finding some treasures at a local auction, he looked forward to all of it. He and Helen enjoyed being part of the square-dancing club, the Lincoln Squares. John was a member of St. Francis Catholic Xavier Church in Merrill. He wore many hats and had an incredible work ethic that he passed on to his children. John loved his family dearly and had a great sense of humor and will be remembered for his love and laughter.
John is survived by his wife: Helen Sczygelski, sons: Mark (Ann) Sczygelski and Andrew Sczygelski, daughter: Heidi (Norbert) Haltinner, 4 grandchildren, sister: Rosemary Eckardt and sister-in-laws: Lorraine Brunow and Corrine Sczygelski. He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Regina (Norman) Roets, Esther (Jerome “Jim”) Ament and Genevieve (Jerome “Jerry”) Hollenback, brothers: Charles (Joyce) Sczygelski, Lawrence (Vivian) Sczygelski and Anthony Sczygelski and brother-in-laws: Bob Eckardt and LaVernBrunow.
The Mass of Christian Burial for John will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Merrill. Father Maria Vallabheneni will officiate. Visitation will be held on Wednesday, June 26, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. until 10:45 a.m. at Waid Funeral Home. Burial and military honors will take place at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery immediately following Mass.
In lieu of flowers, family asks that donations in John’s name be made to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church for their renovation project.
Family wishes to thank the caring and compassionate staff at the Aspirus Wausau Hospital for taking good care of John and his family during his stay there.
Waid Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Merrill is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences are encouraged and may be made at www.waidfuneral.com.