Penelope “Penny” J. Wawrzyniak, age 77, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away with family at her side on Friday, October 19, 2018 at Sturgeon Bay Health Services. Penny was born in Chicago, IL on September 15, 1941 to the late Theodore and Eleanor Schleg. She graduated from Sheboygan North High School in 1959.
While attending high school, Penny worked at a nursing home where she found her professional calling. Upon high school graduation, she attended and received her degree from Walther Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in Chicago. Penny was a devoted and passionate registered nurse who worked in the rehabilitation unit caring for those who were involved in accidents and traumatic events at St. Joseph’s Hospital in Marshfield, WI.
She was united in marriage with Eugene S. Wawrzyniak on June 13, 1964 at Saint Hedwig Catholic Church in Chicago. Penny truly enjoyed gardening and spending time with her friends. She was a proud member of Messiah Lutheran Church in Madison.
Although Penny was raised in Sheboygan, she and Gene lived in Marshfield for 27 years while they raised their family before moving to Sturgeon Bay to retire and be closer to her beloved classmates. Above all else, Penny loved her family and spending all the time she could with them. She will be missed by her loving husband of 54 years, Gene; daughter and son, Jennifer (Doug) Dettlaff of McFarland and Michael (Pam) Wawrzyniak, of Lexington, VA; grandchildren, Sophie and Sawyer Dettlaff and Adela and Josh Wawryzniak; brother, Jim Schleg; sister-in-law, Fran Schleg; and many nieces and nephews; and close friends.
Penny was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Tom Schleg; and sister-in-law, Bev Schleg. In honor of Penny’s wishes, her brain was donated to the University of Wisconsin – Madison Brain Donor Program to aid in scientific research on Alzheimer’s Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment. A memorial service will be announced at a later date.
Memorials may be given in Penny’s memory for Sturgeon Bay Health Services or the Alzheimer’s Association, National Headquarters, 225 N. Michigan Ave. , Floor 17, Chicago, Illinois, 60601. Huehns Funeral Home, Inc. & Door County Crematory LLC in Sturgeon Bay are assisting the family.
Expressions of sympathy, memories and photos of Penny may be shared with her family through her tribute page at www. huehnsfuneralhome.com. Donations may be made to: Sturgeon Bay Health Services 200 N. 7th Avenue, Sturgeon Bay WI 54235 Tel: 1-920-743-6274 Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Avenue Fl.
17, Chicago IL 60601 Tel: 1-312-335-8700 Web: www. alz.org Mention the [name of the deceased] tribute account for donations sent directly to the Alzheimer’s Association.
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