Julian Mroczenski

Julian B. Mroczenski, 87, of the town of Stettin, passed away Monday, July 23, 2012, at Wausau Aspirus Hospital, Wausau, WI. He was born to the late Frank and Sophia (Serwa) Mroczenski on August 22, 1924 in the town of Rietbrock. He attended Elderview School, known as the "Green Schoolhouse" in Poniatowski, walking 4 ½ miles one way. In 1942 he took a course in airplane mechanics in Wausau and graduated from Athens High School, Athens, WI in 1943.
After high school he worked at the Athens Pea Canning Factory in Athens and also took flying lessons. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Force and attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. Julian served his country from 1943-1945 and was a tail gunner on B-24 bombers flying 24 missions over enemy territories and receiving numerous medals. Following his time in the Army Air Force, Julian worked for the Gottschalk Brothers as a welder in Edgar, a fox and mink farm in Cary, IL, at a gas station in Madison, Allis Chalmers and then for A.O. Smith in Milwaukee, welding car frames and propellers. He was one of the original four employees that worked for the Greenheck Brothers. Julian retired in 1987 from Marathon Electric after working 32 years as a welder. While working at Marathon Electric, Julian was also a second-generation farmer on the family farm that his father worked. He and his wife, Eleanora, worked tirelessly on the farm and retired from their farming career in 1993. In addition to Julian's many jobs he worked part-time cutting railroad ties, as a pin-setter at a bowling alley, and made brushes for electric motors and generators.
Julian married the former Eleanora Hoffmann on June 4, 1955, at St. Mary's Catholic Church in Marathon. She preceded him in death on December 19, 2009.
Julian was known for his exceptional mechanical aptitude and for his ability to be a "jack-of-all- trades." He enjoyed travelling, hunting, and fishing. He was talented at wood working and worked on building projects during his retirement. Julian loved to restore antiques, machinery, tractors, and cars. His recollections of details were impeccable and he was a valuable resource many times. He would often kid his children about their "bad memory." Julian and Eleanora loved going to "their woods" and enjoying the pond and nature there.
He is survived by his children, Doris Heier of Wausau, Edwin (Grace) Mroczenski of Hatley, Ruth (Perry) Redeker of Wausau, and Earl (Ann) Mroczenski of Wausau; siblings, Irene Zielnik of Chicago, Jane (Henry) Meronk of Wittenberg, Norbert Mroczenski of Wausau, and Evelyn Zollin of Ann Arbor, Mich.; grandchildren, Jayson, April, Teri, Jonathan, Kaylea, Tia, and Eric; brothers-in-law, Lawrence (Joanne) Hoffmann, Earl Hoffmann, and Alvin Hoffmann; and sisters-in-law, Agnes Mroczenski and Edna Scheel.
Julian is preceded in death by his wife, Eleanora; daughter, Judy Dennison; siblings, Bruno Mroczenski, Cecile Mroczenski, and Ernest Mroczenski; and brothers-in-law, Frank Zielnik and Ralph Zollin.
A funeral mass will be celebrated at 12:00 noon on Thursday, July 26, 2012, at Holy Family Catholic Church, R444 County Road U, Poniatowski, with the Rev. Robert Streveler and Deacon Leroy Knauf officiating. Family and friends may call beginning at 9:30 a.m. until the time of service at the church. Burial will be in Holy Family Cemetery, Poniatowski, with military honors provided by V.F.W. Edgar Memorial Post #10187.
Memorial contributions are suggested to Holy Family Catholic Church.
You may sign the family guestbook at www.helke.com.