Former Industrial Educator and Aero Space employee, Fred W. Plonsky, died Wednesday, January 19, 2011, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care & Hospice Services in Merrill.
He was 95 years of age, born May 25, 1915, in Oshkosh, Wisconsin, son of the late Carl and Minnie (Schenk) Plonsky. He attended Wisconsin public schools, and was a graduate of Stout Institute (now UW-Stout) with a B.S. and M.S. in Industrial Education. He continued his post-graduate work in aero space technology at the Universities of Santa Clara and California.
He honorably served his country for over five years in the United States Army during WWII in the Asiatic Theatre of operations.
Mr. Plonsky was married on August 24, 1946 to the former Gertrude Harloff. He is survived by his wife of 64 years, Gertrude Plonsky, of Merrill; one daughter, Barbara (Randy Koehler) Plonsky-Koehler, of Merrill; two grandchildren, Laura and John Koehler; one sister, Gloria (Robert) Weigandt, of Whitewater; and one sister-in-law, Kathleen Radermacher, of Fitchburg.
He was a life-member of Epsilon Pi Tau International Honor Society, National Education Association, California Teachers Association, American Vocational Association, American Industrial Arts Association, Society of Design Engineers, and the American Legion. He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Merrill.
Upon completion of his graduate work, Mr. Plonsky joined Rockwell Manufacturing Company. His assignments in the executive branch were varied among the Consumer Products Division, Power Tools Division, Meter & Valve Division, and the Aero Space Division of the company. He was involved with summer school programs, sharing his expertise and skills, at the Universities of California, Colorado, and Arizona. After his retirement from Rockwell, he was employed by the Santa Clara Unified School District, Santa Clara, California, as an industrial arts teacher.
His interests were primarily sports with emphasis in golf, fishing, and basketball.
A Memorial Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, January 29, 2010, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Merrill. Father Michael McClain will officiate. Military Rites will be conducted by V.F.W. Post 1638, Merrill. The family will receive friends beginning at 9:00 A.M. at the church. The Taylor -Stine Funeral Home, Merrill, WI, is assisting with arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of your choice.
Online condolences may be made at www.taylorstinefuneralhome.com