Henry Fredrick Gajewski

“Hank”

Henry Fredrick Gajewski, age 94, died Tuesday, August 16, 2011, at Wellington Place of Whiting.

Henry was born March 24, 1917 in Menasha, Wisconsin to the late John and Helen (Kolasinski) Gajewski. He married Annacile Kobussen on April 25, 1942 in St. John's Church, Little Chute. They resided in Menasha, Wisconsin from 1942 to 2006, when they moved to Stevens Point, Wisconsin to be closer to family. While living in Menasha he attended St. John the Baptist Catholic Church and was a member of the Knights of Columbus and a charter member of St. John's Home School Association. After moving to Stevens Point he attended Celebration Church.

He was employed as a printer by American Can Company for 30 years, retiring in 1979. Henry was a member of the Quarter Century Club, Pressman Local 77P and the International Printing and Graphic Communications Union. He was the first president of Boys Sports Association and was instrumental in building the first little league baseball fields in Menasha.

Henry was well known and loved by many, always having a good word for everyone he met. He loved to fish and was known by his family as a magician, an inventor, a 'fixer' and a captivating teller of stories. Henry was a sports enthusiast and loved following the Packers and the Brewers. In the last few years of his life he became a walker, putting on 1 to 2 miles a day, rain or shine, and loving every minute of it. This gentle and tender-hearted man will be greatly missed.

Survivors include two daughters, Kristine Sklar, Scottsdale, AZ. and Katie (Gene) Kohn, Stevens Point, WI; a foster son, Joe Kiesow, Appleton, WI; grandchildren, Lisa Miller, Boca Raton, FL., Angela Slate (William), Santa Monica, CA., Jennifer Hoppe (David), Oregon, WI., Ryan Kohn (Tawnya Schilt), Stevens Point, WI., Jaclyn and Julianne (Gajewski) Kobasic, Phoenix, AZ., and a step grandson, Brandon Roth, Phoenix, AZ.; great grandchildren, Samantha and Molly Hoppe. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Preceding him in death were: his wife, Annacile; his son, Stephen; his parents; his brothers, Joseph, Edward and George; a sister, Marie Wisneski.

Funeral services for Henry will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, September 10, 2011 at Martens-Laemmrich Funeral Home, 312 Milwaukee Street, Menasha. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. Family and friends are invited to a luncheon immediately following the service at Germania’s, 320 Chute Street, Menasha.

On Henry’s behalf, his family expresses heartfelt appreciation to Community Care of Central Wisconsin. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Henry’s name. Donations will be given to this great organization. The family also extends deep gratitude to the staffs of Aspirus VNA, Wellington Place of Whiting and Ministry Hospice. May the goodness and kindness they shared with Henry return to them in full measure.