Norman J. Hudziak

Norman Hudziak, 84, Wild, Rose, Wis., died January 11, 2018.

Norm was born on October 30, 1933, in Wild Rose, the only son of August Hudziak and Helen (Hudziak) Macijeski. He graduated from Almond High School in 1952. On June 5, 1954, he married Jeanette (Jean) Koplien at St. John’s Catholic Church in Heffron.

Norm & Jean owned and operated a tavern in downtown Wild Rose for 6 years (aptly named “Norm and Jean’s”). Norm then discovered his love of farming and John Deere tractors, abandoned the tavern life, and purchased his first plot of farm land which gave birth to Hudziak Farms and later on, a trucking company. They farmed over 1000 acres of cucumbers, as well as beans, peas, and corn. Norm was one of the first farmers in central Wisconsin to use machine harvesting for cucumbers.

Norm was an avid fisherman and hunter who rarely missed a hunting season. He was particularly fond of gun-deer season and spending it with his friends and family. He also traveled to Montana, Colorado, Canada, and Mexico to go hunting and fishing.

Norm and Jean were active with local polka clubs, and attended numerous polka fests. There they would laugh and dance for days with friends and family.

He loved to show his antique John Deere tractors, and attended the Edgar Steam Engine Show for many years, driving one of his tractors in the parade with one of his grandchildren on his lap.

Norm and Jean were snowbirds and wintered in Florida, Texas and primarily Arizona for over 35 years.

But it was his family that meant the most to Norm. He enjoyed taking his grandchildren on combine and tractor rides, and was very proud of his children and grandchildren.

Norm may have had a tough exterior, but his great sense of humor, generosity, and no-nonsense way of looking at life made him a truly unique man who will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Jeanette; daughters Sharon Lorenz, Wild Rose, and Lee Ann (Thomas) Lella, Wausau; grandchildren Rebecca (Taj) Schumacher, Wautoma, and Michael Lella, Wausau; and great-grandchildren Dexter & Amara Schumacher, Wautoma. He is further survived by many close friends, some of whom he had been friends with for over 30 years.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his stepfather, Roman Macijeski.

The family welcomes friends and relatives on Wednesday, January 17 from 4:00pm to 7:00pm at Maple Crest Funeral Home, N2620 Hwy 22 in Waupaca. The funeral liturgy will be celebrated on Thursday, January 18 at 11:00am at St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church, 8611 State Highway 54, Almond, with visitation beginning at 10:00am. 

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