Wojciech “Voytek” Wiatrowski, 74, of Kenosha, passed away on Wednesday, November 6, 2019, at Aurora St. Luke’s Medical Center in Milwaukee surrounded by his loved ones. Born on September 7, 1945, in Olsztyn, Poland, he was the son of the late Tomasz and Jadwiga Wiatrowski. From 1961 to 1966, he was a member of the Polish National Team in equestrian show jumping, holding the Champion of Poland title in 1963 and 1964. He came to the US in 1975 and continued his passion as a horse trainer, eventually settling in Kenosha, WI. Years later, he became Chief Steward for the Military Sealift Command where he traveled the world on various naval ships. Wojciech loved to impress family and friends with his cooking. His specialties being pierogis and other traditional Polish dishes. He was known to tell a good joke and enjoyed his nightly gin martini. He also loved a good game of cribbage and playing Wii Golf with his wife. Survivors include his wife, Mary; his three children, Christopher (Lacey) Wiatrowski, Robert Wiatrowski, and Joanna (Bogdan) Klimek; three step-children, Jonathan (Vicki) Petts, Benjamin (Nicholle) Petts, and Nicholas Petts; 10 grandchildren, Magdalena, Monika, Patrycja, Julia, Maciej, Pawel, Aleksandra, Ian, Julianna, and Skylar; and two great-grandchildren. He is further survived by his sister, Anna (Heinrich) Bonk; other relatives, and many friends. Visitation will be held on Monday, November 11th, at Proko Funeral Home, from 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. Visitation will continue Tuesday, November 12th, at the funeral home, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at 10:00 a.m. Interment will be private.Proko Funeral Home & Crematory5111-60th StreetKenosha, WI 53144Phone: (262) 654-3533Visit & Sign Voytek’s Online Memorial Book at:www.prokofuneralhome.com
Condolences
Lill Hauschild
November 10, 2019
Sincere condolences to Mary and Family, yours Lill Hauschild
Al Savaglio
November 10, 2019
What a tragic loss. Such a great man. Treated us all as family, always made us welcome. He was truly loved and will be missed by all who knew him.
David Schirmer
November 9, 2019
What a wonderful man and shipmate. I sailed with “Ski” on the Wally Schirra. He was a fantastic Chief Steward, always upbeat and helping people. He loved his train set, often adding pieces to make it just a little bit better, which is how he lived and worked—-always making things a little better.
Matthew Schwab
November 9, 2019
I sailed with ‘Ski’ on USNS Wally Schirra in Military Sealift Command for nearly three years as Chief Mate. Wojciech always had a smile on his face and made sure the crew was taken care of, he would often crack a crass joke which provided levity to any situation. He occasionally cooked with wine which is usually frowned upon on ships but our crew was special and Ski made did the best he could to make the food stand out. He would often procure whatever was the local fare to give the crew a taste of something new.Ski loved to share his fondness for horses and would tell stories of during coffee time. Ski may be physically gone, but his spirit lives on in the stories we share. Ski was great man I though I cannot be there with you, I am celebrating his life while out to sea. Kind Regards,Matthew SchwabCaptain, USMM
rich cicchetti
November 9, 2019
our condolences to the family of Voytek, nasz skrzydlaty huzar. he brightened the spirit of the entire crew with his positive attitude and cheerful style. we always looked forward to his specialties of Bigos, pork cutlets or pierogies. his tales of his days traveling through eastern europe as a young man on the equestrian team were full of adventure , and he decorated his office on the Wally Schirra with great foto of him on horseback, leaping over an obstacle, like a winged hussar! his shipmates all respected and liked him, and appreciated the extra effort he made to keep things shipshape, spotless and a tasty menu. we will miss him dearly, and cherish our memories. richard & marina cicchetti