"Today I, as many other people lucky enough to have known you, will celebrate your amazing life. What an amazing life it was. You are one of the most brilliant men I have ever had the privilege to know. Many may not know of your professional accomplishments and accolades. A highly regarded executive, helping to shape our futures with you contributions to the telecommunications industry! A business owner, an immigrant that came to the USA with nothing but a vision, you my dear cousin were the definition of the 'American Dream'. But, there was so much more to you! I looked up to you, like the big brother I never had, your sense of humor was unmatched. You enjoyed pranks and silliness, you lit up a room! When you walked in, every eye was on you, that was your energy, your draw! You were kind and loving, easy going and free spirited. And always full of surprises. I miss you. I love you. I am thankful for our moments, and lifetime memories. "
In loving memory of
Jan "Yon" Drewniak
May 17, 1959 - May 17, 2015
Jan "Yon" Drewniak, of Pickerel, died Sunday, May 17, 2015 at Aspirus Wausau Hospital. He was 56 years old. He was born on May 17, 1959 in Wroclaw, Poland, a son of Teresa Drewniak of Antigo and the late Andrezej Drewniak. He married Kathy Ewig on July 27, 2004.
While in Poland he received his degree in electrical engineering. He moved to the United States in 1981. He was employed at Oki Telecommunications in Florida and Georgia he then moved to California and was employed by Sony and Qualcomm. He owned and operated the Sunset Bay Resort on Pickerel Lake for 15 years.
He enjoyed boating, skiing, mushroom picking and spending time with his grandchildren. He enjoyed the company and all the good time he shared with his patrons at the resort.
In addition to his wife and mother survivors include two sons, Robert Drewniak of Pickerel, Michael (Megan) Drewniak of Milwaukee; daughter, Angel Drewniak of Pickerel; step-son, John Scott (Maria) Schey of Ironwood, MI; step-daughter, Heather Ann (Joseph) Bazille-Grisius; seven grandchildren, Gage, Aiden, Kayne, Nikoli, Rowan, Jensen and Corbin; and a sister-in-law, Cyndia Ewig of Merrill. He is also survived by aunts, uncles and cousins in Florida.
He was preceded in death by his father.
A memorial gathering will be held Saturday, May 23 at Sunset Bay Resort beginning at 3 p.m.
The Bradley Funeral Home is assisting the family.
Online condolences at www.bradleyfh.com
Tributes
"I am honored I was able to call Jan dad. From the moment I walked into his life he accepted me and my boys as family. When Nikoli was not he was such a proud grandpa. He would speak to Nikoli in Polish and challenge Michael to say difficult Polish sayings. He would test me on my Polish. One time I brought Nikoli over in a brand new white outfit (I think it was Easter) and I left the room for a minute and came back to Jan feeding him raspberries and strawberries! Every year he would sing Bad to the Bone for me and when he forgot the lyrics he would make up his own. If anyone has any stories they would be willing to share please friend me on Facebook so I can teach Jan's 3 yr old grandson and 10 year old daughter what a great man Jan was throughout his life! "
"This is a person that God put in my life 25 years ago. I only worked with him for about four years, but he helped change my life for the better. He was my first boss, and he helped me and supported me over come a seizure disorder. One time he took me to the doctors office. While waiting for my appointment I had a gran mal seizure and he was the only one in the doctors office that knew what to do with me. He also tried to teach me how to drive while I still had the seizures...I got pulled over for going too slow in the fast lane because he told me that I would learn better because it was harder to drive slower than fast. And when I found out I qualified for the research program at Emory to find a cure for my seizures, when my own family was trying to change my mind about following through with it, he continued to encourage me through it all. He didn't accept excuses, but pushed me to always do better. Guess his work on this earth is finished now. His spirit had been poured out from this physical vessel and now he is free. RIP, Jan Drewniak."
"Big "J" - Rest in Peace - you are one of a kind,- I was enjoyed every moment that I was working with you duign QPE days. We all missed you..."
"Rest in Peace Jan thanks for all the memories when I worked with you at Qualcomm. "
"Kathy and family, I'm so sorry for your loss of Jan. His laugh and his smile will never be forgotten. I'll always remember how generous and fun he was. Thoughts and prayers to you and yours..."
"Sorry for your loss. May you find hope in the promised resurrection.-Acts 24:15. Resurrection is a standing up again, a coming to life. It is the Bible based promise of seeing your loved one again. May this promise and your good memories bring you measure of comfort."
"Sympathies Kathy , & family. "
"Michael I am really sorry for your loss. R.I.P to your dad."
"Kathy - my deepest sympathy to you & Angel. God be with you ~ "
"Sorry for your lost Kat. Just remember he is in a better place. You and Angel take care! See ya soon!"
"My heart goes out to you Kathy - So many GREAT TIMES with you both - Stay strong - I know you can.
RIP my friend."
"good bye Yon, your time on earth is used up, your suffering is done, May you rest in peace. We had many good times shooting darts, playing pool, and just drinking at the sunset bay resort. My condolences go out to Kathy, Angle, and your whole family."