Edwin J. Szymanski

Edwin J. Szymanski 89, Marathon, died on Monday, November 28, 2011 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. He was born September 19, 1922 in the town of Cassel, son of the late Anton and Cecilia (Kalamayka) Szymanski. On July 17, 1946, he married Florence Wisniewski at Holy Family Catholic Church Poniatowski. She preceded him in death on October 18, 1984. On February 25, 1994, he married Lydia Beilke at The Church of St. Anne, Wausau. She preceded him in death on August 12, 2011. Edwin came from a family of eight boys and two girls. He attended Sacred Heart School in the town of Cassel and graduated from Marathon High School in 1940. He continued his education at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point for two years and then enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II. He achieved the rank of Petty Officer First Class and served from September 21, 1943 until May 17, 1946. Following his service in the military, he went back to his studies at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree on July 27, 1947. He was hired at Marathon High School as a teacher and baseball and basketball coach. He continued his studies at Ripon College under the National Science Foundation in the summer of 1958. Edwin took a two year leave of absence and trained at Michigan State University for the Traveling Teacher Science Program. He lectured in high schools in Wisconsin, Minnesota and Michigan before returning to Michigan State University to earn his Masters Degree in Physical Science. Edwin also attended summer school under the National Science Foundation at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and the University of Wisconsin-Superior. Edwin retired as the principal at Marathon High School in 1984, after 37 years of service. While teaching at Marathon High School, he played basketball with his brothers on a team known as the Marathon Wee Willies and he also pitched baseball in the Marathon County League for the Rib River Ballroom. Some highlights of his pitching career included pitching a 19 inning game and a 15 inning game, striking out 32 batters. The teams he played with won many championships in both basketball and baseball. Edwin loved all sports, especially, fishing, hunting, golf, the Milwaukee Brewers and the Green Bay Packers. He was a member of the American Legion Alois Dreikosen Post #469, Marathon and the Wausau Elks Club. Survivors include, four children, Yvonne (Fred) Oksiuta, Stevens Point, Rodney (Debra) Szymanski, Marathon, Colleen (Ralph) Zuleger, Medford and Neal (Tammy) Szymanski, Weston; three brothers, Frank (Alvina) Szymanski, Milwaukee, Alex (Theresa) Szymanski, Marathon and Wally (Bernice) Szymanski, Marathon; 10 grandchildren, Nathaniel (Lindsay) Oksiuta, Lauren (Jeremy) Karaliunas, Alyssa Szymanski, Lucas (Rachel Feist) Szymanski, Bradley (Melissa) Zuleger, Rachel Zuleger, Sandra Zuleger, Christine (Erik) Bunkelman, Shea Lee Szymanski and Nicholas Szymanski; two step-grandchildren, Kody and Kyle Kasten; five great grandchildren, River Stanecki, Peyton and Regan Karaliunas, Isaiah Oksiuta and Lexi Bunkelman; one sister-in-law, Alvina Szymanski, Marathon; and Lydia's children, Craig (Lynn) Beilke, Gary Beilke, Brad (Connie) Beilke and Dean (Valerie) Beilke, her grand children Paul, Daniel (Rae Baumann), Ramsey, Jurnee and Jake and her great granddaughter, Lydia. Besides his parents and Florence and Lydia, he was preceded in death by two sisters, Clara and Marie; and four brothers, Anton, Stanley, Joe and Ray. The family is deeply appreciative to the staff of Our House Assisted Living, Marywood Rehabilitation Center, Marathon Assisted Living, and Wausau Aspirus Hospital for their care and compassion. The funeral mass will be celebrated at Noon on Friday, December 2, 2011 at St. Mary Catholic Church, Marathon, with a visitation from 10:30 a.m. until Noon. Rev. Joseph Diermeier and Rev. Steven Brice will preside. Burial will be in St. Mary Cemetery, Marathon, with full military honors conducted the by American Legion, Marathon. Friends may call Thursday from 4:00 until 8:00 p.m. at Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, Marathon. There will be a military service at 7:15 p.m. followed by a rosary service at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday evening at the funeral home. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com