Roman Przybylski

Roman “Romy” Richard Przybylski, 79, passed away May 4, 2020 at St. Clare’s Hospital, Weston.

Roman was born February 12, 1941 to Frank and Leona (Ziech) Przybylski. He grew up in Wausau and its surrounding areas and at 17, Roman joined the military. He was in the United States Marine Corps from February 18, 1958 to February 16, 1962 and was in the reserves until February 17, 1964. During his time in the service, he was stationed in Hawaii and Japan. It was an honor for Roman to have served his country. On February 20, 1963 Roman married Carol Sorenson. Together, they had three daughters and one son, all of whom survive him- Laura Koplitz of Mosinee, Susan (Jim) Riedel of Wausau, Sandy Kozlowski of Weston, and Michael Przybylski of Weston.

In Roman’s younger years, he enjoyed deer hunting, fly fishing and ice fishing with his brother Norbert and friends Bobby and Billy. He would take his daughters fishing, ice fishing, and nite crawler picking. Once his son was old enough, he took him fishing too. Every hunting season and for fishing, Roman would be calling everyone to see what they got.

Roman was employed at Marathon Electric/Regal Beloit from 1964-2009. He retired after 45 years. He was a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers. While working at Marathon Electric, Roman made many friends and kept in touch with them after his retirement.

After Carol became sick, Roman and his son Michael devoted their time to caring for her for the next 20 years. He and Carol would drive around to their daughters’ farms to feed their animals and after Carol’s passing, he spent time driving the dogs, Max, Malkem and Leo around, spoiling them with visits to McDonald’s and Kwik Trip for beef sticks.

Roman received the nickname “Neighborhood Watch” for his habit of driving around by his children’s homes every day, several times a day. He had “drive up visits” where he’d pull up and you’d have to go out to chat with him. He enjoyed fireworks- both buying and watching them. He would drive on Townline Road just to watch them or to the fairgrounds and surrounding areas.

Roman enjoyed painting houses as a side job with his uncle Reinhold and cousin Bobby. He was so proud of his paint job, all by brush, on Ron and Ruth Christiansen’s barn, his brother and sister-in-law. He also enjoyed gardening and growing all different plants. He especially enjoyed visits with his cousins and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law.

He liked all the major sports- both college and pro. He loved listening to the Brewer’s on the radio or taking his family to the games. He enjoyed football and basketball and gambled a little on the games though he was a “Bears Fan” at heart.

Roman enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He was so loved and will be remembered by all for his generous heart. His entire family will miss him so much.

When Roman became ill in December, his daughter Susan stayed with him. Every breath became a struggle and on May 4th, he was ready to join our mama Carol in heaven.

Roman is survived by his children; grandsons Richard Kersten of Weston, Eric Kersten (Emily Matthews) of Wausau, Joey Kersten (friend Sarah Mueller) of Wausau, Kenny Kersten (fiancé Rachael Lionburger) of Milwaukee, Travis Kozlowski of Schofield, Tyler Kozlowski of Madison, Aaron (Heather Hintz) Larson of Wausau, and Ryan Larson of Minnesota; granddaughters Victoria, Mikenna and Sammi Przybylski of Weston; great-grandchildren Landan Riehle of Weston, Parker Williams of Schofield and Madison Kersten of Merrill; brothers Norbert (Arlene) Przybylski of Schofield, Thomas (Janice) Przybylski of Schofield; sister Mary Przybylski of Rothschild; sisters-in-law Shirley (John) Sorenson of Wausau, June Abt of Viroque, Elaine (Jerry) Seehafer and Karen Koppa; many cousins, nieces and nephews; and close family friends Ken Kersten and Gary Kozlowski. He is preceded in death by his parents; wife Carol; great-grandson Atlas Jayce Kersten; niece Chansey Ann Przybylski; son-in-law Michael Koplitz; brother and sister-in-law Ron and Ruth Christiansen; brothers-in-law Tom Koppa and Edward Abt; aunts and uncles Reinhold and Gladys Ziech, Walter and Josephine Ziech and Florance and Burt Best; and cousins.

A celebration of Roman’s life will be held Saturday, May 30, 2020 at 12:30 pm at Brainard Funeral Home- Everest Chapel, 5712 Memorial Court, Weston, WI. Visitation will begin at 11:00 am until the time of service. Burial at Gate of Heaven Catholic Cemetery will follow.

Roman was the best dad and grandpa and will forever be in our hearts.

BECAUSE WE CARE ABOUT FAMILY AND FRIENDS, FACEMASKS WILL BE REQUIRED AND SOCIAL DISTANCING WILL BE OBSERVED.