John O. Strzyzewski, age 81, a resident of Manitowoc, entered in eternal life on Thursday, December 24, 2020 at his home.

Born on June 18, 1939 in Manitowoc to the late Harry and Margaret (Krueger) Strzyzewski, John graduated from Lincoln High School with the class of 1957.   He excelled at baseball in his younger years, playing minor league ball for four years in Lynchburg, VA, Erie, PA, and Bismarck, ND for the Washington Senators, which later became the Minnesota Twins.  He served his country proudly by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps Reserves in 1961 until an industrial accident, which resulted in the loss of his right hand, led to his honorable discharge in 1963.  On June 8, 1963, John married Nancy Breivogel in Two Rivers at St. John's Evangelical Lutheran Church.  He was employed by Mirro Aluminum Company as a standards technician for 39 years, and later in life worked at the YMCA as a jobs coach assisting special needs workers.  John was a lover of sports his entire life, and in his spare time he enjoyed playing recreational softball, basketball, football and golf.  He was also an avid Brewers, Packers and Badgers fan.  A lover of the outdoors, John enjoyed fishing, hunting, camping, and boating.  His many hobbies throughout his life included wood working, gardening, watching games shows, and playing cards – especially with his monthly sheepshead club.  Above all, John was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend.

Survivors include John's wife of 57 years, Nancy; three sons, David (Carol) Strzyzewski, Two Rivers; Peter (Michael Barry) Strzyzewski, Alexandria, VA; and Corey Strzyzewski, Reno, NV; five grandchildren, Daniel, Angelina, Christopher, Bradley, and Andrew (Beth); and five great grandchildren.  He is also survived by a sister, Mary Ann Wegner, Two Rivers; a brother, Roger (Mary) Strzyzewski, Manitowoc; and a sister-in-law, Lynne Strzyzewski.  John was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Margaret Strzyzewski and a brother, Ronald Strzyzewski.

Memorial services will be held at 11 a.m. on Thursday, December 31, 2020 at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 916 Pine Street, Manitowoc with Rev. Matt Zimpelmann officiating.  Military rites will be accorded by Vietnam Veterans of America at the church immediately following the memorial service.  A luncheon will then be held for family and friends at the Harrigan Parkside Gathering Center, 620 North Water Street, Manitowoc, located on the south property of the Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home.  With cremation taken place, a burial will be held at Knollwood Memorial Gardens at a later date.  The family will greet relatives and friends at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church on Thursday from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m.  Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harriganparksidefuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in John's name to the following organizations:

Manitowoc Golden K Kiwanis (920) 242-1919

Gumby's Club for a Cure www.gumbysclubforeacure.org

John's family would like to thank the staffs of Aurora At-Home Hospice and River's Bend Health and Rehabilitation for the care and compassion they provided.

The Harrigan Parkside Funeral Home and Crematory, North 11 ^th and St. Clair streets, Manitowoc is assisting the family with funeral arrangements.