Edwin Piantek

Edwin Conrad Piantek joined his beloved wife Mary (Vankauwenbergh) at the Gates of Glory, with the jovial sounds of polka music playing on May 28th, 2013, in Green Bay, WI. Born November 18, 1928 in Waldo, WI, he was the second of six children to the late Anton and Irene (Zimmerman) Piantek. He spent his childhood as a typical farm boy in Sheboygan and in the Town of Pittsfield. After the death of his father in November of 1946, he put aside his high school education to assist his mother in running the family farm. He returned to Pulaski High School to graduate with the Class of 1947. In June of 1951, Edwin joined the US Marine Corp. He honorably served his country from 1951 to 1954 including his Tour of Duty in the Korean Police Action. Throughout his course of service he received five Service Accommodations. SEMPER FIDELIS! Upon his return home from military, he married his precious and beautiful sweetheart, Mary (Vankauwenbergh) on October 23, 1954. His deep love and devotion remained with Mary even after her death. Everyday was spent with words of devotion to God, the Blessed Virgin Mary, and speaking to Mary in his prayers. He and Mary were blessed with three children: Mary Beth (Randy Nitka), Scott (Karen), and David and one grandson, Ryan Nitka. As an employee of Green Bay Packaging, Edwin worked his way up to Project Manager before retiring after 37 years of dedicated service. Whether the weather was good or bad it was a guarantee, he could be found at his job to provide a comfortable life for his family. With a strong work ethic, faith in God, and a brilliant, creative mind, Edwin was determined to accomplish every task put before him or he set out to do. It was not until his 70’s that he was given the opportunity and enjoyment to be an acolyte for his church, St. Matthews Catholic Parish. To some, this may seem a small, meaningless task, but to Edwin it was one of his greatest pleasures; a way he could serve his church and God. Never having done it as a child, this gave him extraordinary delight and special meaning as an older adult. As a man that lived a modest life he will be best remembered for his giving nature. He was the first to always help his neighbors, friends, and family when they needed assistance. He has touched many hearts and will be dearly missed. Rest assured, every Tuesday morning you could find Edwin at Julie’s café with his son David. David and his father shared an extraordinary bond of father/son which extended to a tremendously strong friendship. Even though there was a 40 year age gap his great-niece Carrie Norton and he cherished a strong friendship and deep understanding of life. Both David and Carrie cherished Edwin’s friendship and companionship dearly. He was preceded in death by his wife Mary, parents Antone and Irene (Zimmerman) Piantek, two sisters Angeline (Piantek) (Krause) DeGroot and her husband Norbert DeGroot, Evelyn (Piantek) Mrocznski and her husband Adolf Mrocznski, father and mother-in-law John and Edna Vankauwenbergh, sister-in-law Elaine Vankauwenbergh, and brother-in-law Harold Vankauwenbergh, two nieces Diane (Krause) Norton and Karleen (Krause) Doherty, and two great-nephews Cory Norton and Derrick Nabbefeldt. He is survived by his sons, Scott (Karen), David Piantek, and daughter Mary Beth (Randy Nitka), grandson Ryan Nitka, brother Tony (Kay) Piantek, and sisters, Martha (Donald Hanek), Mary Jane (Jim Lindsley), special friend Ginger Piantek, and numerous nieces and nephews, and great-nieces and nephews. Gathering of family and friends will be held from 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, June 1, 2013 at St. Matthew Parish 130 St. Matthew Street. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 2:00 P.M. with Rev. Philip Dinh-Van-Thiep officiating. In lieu of flowers, Edwin’s last wishes were to donate a Shrine of St. Jude to his parish, St. Matthew’s Catholic Church. This was his last request to his friends and family to bestow this generous gift to his church. Friends and family are encouraged to join in the celebration of Edwin’s life.

Edwin Piantek

November 18, 1928 - May 27, 2013