Roman Michalski

McFarland - Roman Clemence "Romie" Michalski , age 87, of McFarland, passed away peacefully at his home on Wednesday, April 30, 2014, with his loving wife by his side, following a brief illness.

Roman was born on June 8, 1926, in Milwaukee, WI, the son of Boleslaus and Julia (Bauman) Michalski. He was united in marriage to his bride of 56 years, Joan McManus, on May 10, 1958, at St. Alexander Church in Milwaukee.

Roman served in the United States Army in World War II, as part of an Allied push that started in France and ended on the outskirts of Munich.

Roman spent the bulk of his professional career as a cab-over truck salesman for International Harvester. Working a territory that included northeast Wisconsin and the upper peninsula, he forged lifelong friendships with dealers in small towns from Antigo to Ontonagon, and drove through more snowstorms than anyone could count.

More than anything, Roman was a family man - a father whose children could always use a little advice, but whose grandchildren could do no wrong. Roman thoroughly enjoyed fishing and hunting, and he truly loved the Gaffney and Ellingson families for the deer camp brotherhood they showed him for many years.

Roman is survived by his wife Joan, his three children, Pat (Bruce) Colin of Rancho Palos Verdes, CA, Cliff (Kathy) Michalski of Oregon, WI, and Laura (Dave) Ellingson of Fitchburg, WI, a sister Trudie (Frank) Kanaskie of Milwaukee, WI, a brother Ollie of Merrill, WI, and his eight grandchildren, Grant, Dane, Sami, Julia, Ethan, Nate, Anna, and Sophie. He was preceded in death by brothers Alex and Lenny, a sister, Lu and his dear friend and fishing buddy Jerry Gaffney.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at CHRIST THE KING CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5306 Main St, McFarland, at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, May 6, 2014, with Reverend D. Stephen Smith officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 9am until the time of Mass, with a luncheon to follow off premises. A private burial will be held at a later date.