Violet D. Gesicki

Violet D. Gesicki Our beloved Violet D. Gesicki was lovingly embraced by God on Saturday evening, March 29, 2008 at Wausau Manor, with her devoted son, John, at her side. She was the first child of seven born to Leon and Mathilda (Lewandowski) Narloch on May 4, 1920 in Bevent. Her father said she was as pretty as a flower, so they named her Violet. She grew up speaking Polish until age 4, when they moved to Wausau where her father was a plasterer. She is a graduate of Wausau High School. She married Lawrence Gesicki on September 21, 1946 and nurtured their family of three children, Judith, John and Mary. Violet loved being a wife and mother. She was always busy making a warm and beautiful home, cleaning, and above all, cooking for her many guests and family. She left a legacy of home cooking recipes, especially her chicken dumpling soup and pierogi, which her grandchildren now cook for their guests and families. When Violet took time off from her busy schedule, she enjoyed playing cards, reading and tending her flower garden. Her deep faith and kind, loving nature were an inspiration to many. She was a devout Catholic all her life, and prayer was always a part of her days. She lived her faith well and was an active parishioner at Holy Name Parish, involved in St. Catherine's Council and Catholic Daughters. Violet volunteered at the Holy Name School library and at Newman High School. She cleaned at the Retreat Center in Marathon, and also visited and brought Communion to the homebound and those in nursing homes. Violet found much joy in her desire to help and serve others. She worked for 25 years at Wausau Insurance, retiring in 1985. Violet had a deep love for her family. She is survived by her three children, Judith Seehafer, San Jose, Cal., John (Linda) Gesicki, Rothschild and Mary (Jeff) Giese, Park City, Utah; six grandchildren, Stacey (A.J.) Szenda, Saratoga, Cal., Jennifer (Shayne) Fickling, Oconomowoc, Kim (Rick) Riemer, Weston, Shannon and Mary Seehafer, Morgan Hill, Cal. and Hunter Giese, Park City, Utah; five great grandchildren, Melissa and Stella Szenda, Chase and Carson Riemer, and Cohen Fickling; her brother, Lawrence Narloch, Wausau; her sisters, Cornelia Kamla, LaCrosse, Sister Margaret Narloch, Felician Order, Oconomowoc; Mary (Jim) Erickson, Wausau; her sisters-in-law, Delores Narloch, Wausau, Lois Narloch, Casper, Wyo.; and many wonderful nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Lawrence and her brother, LeRoy. Violet's life was blessed just as she blessed the lives of her family. The funeral mass will be celebrated at 6:00 p.m. Friday, April 4, 2008 at The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Wausau. Rev. Gerald Pehler O.F.M. Cap. and Rev. Robert Thorn will preside. Burial will be in Restlawn Memorial Park, Wausau. Friends may call Friday from 4:00 p.m. until time of services at the church. The family wishes to thank the wonderful and loving staff and residents at Applegate Terrace, Wausau Manor and Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. You were always there for Violet and for her family. Her friends at Applegate were always special to her. Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home, 1302 Sixth Street, Wausau is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus, Wausau or to St. Anthony Retreat Center in Marathon City. Online condolences at www.petersonkraemer.com