Gerard M. Skrzypchak

As the house chimes rang loudly in the winter wind, Gerard M. Skrzypchak, 65, died peacefully on Sunday February 25, 2018, with family at his side. Gerard was born in Wausau on November 2, 1952, son of the late John Jr. and Dorothy (Kraimer) Skrzypchak. He grew up on the family farm in the Town of Cassel, Marathon. He was a graduate of Marathon High School and attended NTC . Gerard loved to work. His first job was as yard foreman at Modern Builders and Suppliers. After one week, he was given a raise. During his time there he also built his first of five houses, nights and weekends. In 1979 he began his career as the plant projects manager at Wisconsin Public Service, starting with the construction of the Weston 3 Power Plant. He learned mechanical, environmental, electrical and civil engineering on the job. In 2011 he was a team presenter at the International Coal Ash Conference in Denver, explaining how fly ash was used for landfill to extend the east end of the CWA runway to create a safety way. He had State of Wisconsin, Department of Natural Resources, Solid Waste Disposal Facility Operator Certification. He was assigned to be the underground connections go-to person when Weston 4 was started and needed to be connected to Weston 3. He was recognized by the Washington Group Construction Management team for performing the duties efficiently with no accidents or delays in construction. Gerard retired December 31, 2013 after 34 A½ years at WPSC. He returned there in March 2014 as a contracted consultant and was required to take safety training as a new worker. He had created the Powerpoint training while at WPSC. (Note: he passed the training.) He hired on to River View Construction in 2015 as a project manager until illness forced him to hang up his hard hat and yellow reflector vest in November 2016. Gerard stoically endured partial tongue and neck lymph node removal, chemo and radiation treatments. He was the first patient at Marshfield Clinic - Weston that did not use pain medication during treatment. The radiation oncologist was astounded! Gerard credited Lily, the family's cockapoo dog, for relieving his stress and pain, and bringing joy into the house. Gerard married Jayne Snopl on August 23, 1975, in Wausau, she survives. He was the proud father of two sons, Lee Skrzypchak (spouse Dawn Woodward) of Los Angeles and Joel Skrzypchak (spouse Emma Radomski) of Wauwatosa. Gerard became a Grandpa in 2016. Barrett Cassius Skrzypchak was the light of his life. Gerard loved watching "Bear's" antics on Facetime. He was preceded in death by his parents and infant sister, Mary Ann. He is further survived by his siblings - Sy (Terri) Wera, Cable, WI; Theresa (Harry) Penrose, Schofield; Mary (David) Rajek, Marathon; Dale (Deborah) Skrzypchak, Wausau, and Trudy Ryan, Weston and many nieces, nephews and cousins. Gerard was a member of St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau for over 40 years and was instrumental to the construction of the recent Gathering Space addition. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Noon on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at St. Matthew Catholic Church, Wausau. Rev. Robert Thorn will preside. Burial will be in the St. Mary Cemetery, Marathon. Visitation will be on Saturday from 9:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 3400 Stewart Avenue, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com In lieu of flowers, please donate to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Gerard read this life story, and wanted to add that everyone should always remember to be thankful and positive for the wonderful life they were given.