Alexander A. Szymanski

Alexander "Alex" A. Szymanski, 92, Marathon, died Saturday, September 21, 2013, under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services at Marathon Assisted Living. He was born December 25, 1920 in the town of Cassel, son of the late Anton Sr. and Cecelia (Kalmajka) Szymanski. On August 19, 1947, he married Theresa Lemmer at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. She survives. Alex attended Teachers College in Stevens Point and taught for one year in the Knowlton School District prior to his service in the military. He was a veteran of the United States Army and served in the Italian Campaign from 1942 until 1945. He received a Silver Star Medal, a Theatre Ribbon with three Bronze Stars and a Purple Heart with one Oak Leaf Cluster. Alex was a charter member of the American Legion Alois Dreikosen Post #469, Marathon. For over 30 years, Alex worked for the Post Office in Marathon and retired as Post Master in 1983. He was also a volunteer firefighter in Marathon for many years. Alex was an active member of St. Mary's Catholic Church and was a member of the Holy Name Society, a member of the parish council, an usher and volunteered at many church functions. He was also a member of NARFE, and enjoyed coaching little league baseball and coached softball as well. In the 1940's, he was a member of the Wee Willies Basketball Team. Among his favorite pastimes, he enjoyed bowling, playing cards, gardening, listening to polka music and was an avid sports fan, especially cheering on the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers. Alex also had a great love for cats and had many "lap cats" over the years. Survivors include his wife of 66 years, Theresa Szymanski, Marathon; two daughters, Mary Jane (Dennis) Cramer, Marathon and Julie (Jon) Koch, Brussels, Wis.; one daughter-in-law, Sandra Szymanski, Schofield; five grandchildren, Hayley (Phil Seubert) Cramer, Heather (Sam Facey) Cramer, Clint Szymanski, Alyse (Harrison) Hundt and Kayla Koch; two step-grandchildren, Brad (Danille) Hildebrandt and Amy (Zhirik) Barseghian; nine great-grandchildren, Madysen, Alexandria, Owen, Lauren, Derek, Calvin, Ava, Collin and Tory; two brothers, Frank (Alvina) Szymanski, Milwaukee and Wallace (Bernice) Szymanski, Mosinee; two sisters-in-law, Alvina Szymanski, Marathon and Dorothy Mauerer, Hayward; and many nieces and nephews. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by one son, Wayne Szymanski; one granddaughter, Jessica Lea Koch; one step great-grandson, Jaxon Barseghian; two sisters, Marie Wieloch and Clara Lepak; and five brothers, Anton Jr., Stanley Sr., Joseph, Edwin and Raymond. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 11:30 a.m. on Wednesday, September 25, 2013 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon. Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier will preside. Burial will be in the parish cemetery with full military honors conducted by the American Legion Post No. 469, Marathon. Friends may call on Tuesday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon and again on Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. until time of services at the church. There will be a rosary service at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday evening, followed by a veterans service led the American Legion, Marathon. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund is being established. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Rev. Msgr. Joseph Diermeier, Ann Berry and the staff at Marathon Assisted Living and the nurses at Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services for all the wonderful care and support given to Alex and his family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com