Wenzel (Bucko) J. Hrabik Jr. age 81, of Kewaunee died on Saturday, May 7th, 2022. He was born on January 31, 1941 in Kewaunee, WI to the late Wenzel (Jim) Sr and Ella (Delwiche) Hrabik.
Bucko married the love of his life, Karen Duescher, on July 13th, 1963. They were blessed with five children and ten grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
Wenzel graduated from Kewaunee High School in 1959. Bucko was a confirmed member of Immanuel Lutheran Church and serviced on the parochial school board. He was employed as a welder/mechanic with the Kewaunee County Highway Department for 29 years retiring at the age of 57. Prior to employment at the Highway Department, Bucko had worked at Kewaunee Engineering. Bucko enjoyed fixing and repairing farm machinery, assisting many local farmers.
Upon retirement, Bucko enjoyed many years hauling milk, driving tractor and tinkering at Ebert Enterprises. Bucko was always willing to help anyone and his calm demeanor made him a joy to work with.
Bucko had a love of hunting, fishing, stock car racing, playing softball, dartball, music (Elvis rules!) snowmobiling (proud member of the Moonriders Snowmobile Club) and watching all sports and events particularily when his children and grandchildren were participating. He was their biggest fan!
Bucko is survived by Karen, his wife of fifty-eight years; his children, Rhonda (Jack) Jadin, Renee (Randy) Ebert, Sheila (Ron) Powers, Troy (Vicki) Hrabik, Rick (Mary) Hrabik. He is further survived by grandchildren; Taylor (Abbygaile) Jadin, Jordan and Whitney Ebert, Tyler, Samantha and Tommy Powers, Brandon (Hailey) Hrabik, Bryce Hrabik, and Greg (Erin) Place, three great-grandchildren, Natalie Jadin, Peaches Hrabik and Josephine Place.
Bucko was one of ten siblings. Survivors include; Sandy (Carl) Swagel, Judy Dolan (special friend John Kay), Betty (James) Siebold, Gerald (Marilyn) Hrabik, Jane (Roger) Ihlenfeldt, Joe - Chico (Sue Lindberg) Hrabik, John (Emily) Hrabik, Bill (Jill) Hrabik. Further survivors include sisters in law Julaine Mueller and Bonnie (Larry) Kittell, and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bucko was preceded in death by his parents Wenzel and Ella Hrabik and his stepmother, Lorraine (Rabach) Hrabik, in-laws Orville and Elda Duescher, granddaughter Britney Ebert, sister and brother in law Shirley (James-Beetle) Blahnik, brothers in law Harold (Bud) Dolan, and Erwin Mueller.
Friends may call from 5:00 pm - 7:00 pm at Buchanan’s Funeral Home, Kewaunee on Sunday, May 15th, 2022. Visitation continues on Monday 9:00 am - 11:00 am at Immanuel Lutheran Church, Kewaunee on May 16th, 2022. Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am with Pastor Matthew Sprunger officiating. The service will be live streamed for remote viewing at www.immanuellutherankewaunee.org.
Bucko’s family would like to thank the care providers throughout the years for the compassionate care provided to him.
Bucko will be greatly missed by all family and friends. His strong work ethic, humor, quiet demeanor, kindness and compassion modeled the way for all who came to know him. Thanks for the memories.
