James “Jim” Joseph Lawniczak, 76, passed away suddenly on Monday, May 8, 2023, in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
Jim was born on April 21, 1947, to Harold and Margaret (Kaiser) Lawniczak in Green Bay. He graduated from Green Bay West High School in 1965, and married Carol (Meyer) Lawniczak in 1968. Shortly thereafter, he began working at Meyer Jewelers as a diamond setter and jewelry repair specialist, a career he maintained even through retirement. His work ethic was legendary, rarely missing a day of work in decades.
In addition to his day job, he created and sold custom jewelry boxes and was a crossing guard for Green Bay Public Schools. He was also an active volunteer with many organizations, including Altrusa House, St. Vincent de Paul, Paul’s Pantry, St. Mary’s Roller Rink, and the Starlite Neighborhood Association. He was extensively involved at St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church performing maintenance, serving as a regular lector and server, and singing in three choirs (adult, family and resurrection).
He loved the Packers, golfing, bowling, cooking, singing, and woodworking. He was known as a MacGyver-type fix-it man. He was passionate about faith and family, and helping others.
Jim is survived by his second wife, Kathy (Weyers Vieau) Lawniczak; six children with first wife, Mike (Lynne) Lawniczak, Joe (Susan) Lawniczak, Andy (Deanne) Lawniczak, Robert (Tanesia) Lawniczak, Anne Marie (Jeff) Bailey, Aaron (Jess) Lawniczak; stepdaughter Holly (Steven) Webster; twenty grandchildren, Cassandra (Brooke) Baron, Liz Lawniczak, William Lawniczak, Crissy (Erik) Wedsmark, Tristan Lawniczak, Arianna Lawniczak, Curtis Tuggers, Samuel Lawniczak, Dani Rae Lawniczak, Piper Joy Lawniczak, Kayla Lawniczak, Amaya Lawniczak, Amelia Lawniczak, Kolton Lawniczak, Jeffrey Bailey, Christopher Bailey, Justice Bailey, Devon Warner, Mila Warner; step-grandson Andrew Webster; and two great-grandchildren Gracie Wedsmark and Bjorn Wedsmark.
Jim is also survived by four siblings, Larry Lawniczak, Mary (Lee) Sedlacek, Barb (Tom) Allen, Craig (Holly) Lawniczak, and several in-laws and extended family.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents Harold and Margaret Lawniczak; his first wife Carol Lawniczak; her parents, Andrew and Irene Meyer; a stepson Michael Vieau; brother-in-law Roger Nelson and sister-in-law Paula Lawniczak.
A visitation will be held at Proko Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason St. on Monday, May 15th from 4:00 to 7:00 PM, with prayer vigil at 7 PM. Visitation will continue Tuesday, May 16th from 9:30 to 10:45 AM at St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Church, 650 S. Irwin. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM. Burial will be in Nicolet Memorial Gardens. To send online condolences visit www.prokowall.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Mary of the Angels Catholic Parish.