Richard “Poncho” Piontek, 83, De Pere resident, died peacefully Wednesday, January 31, 2024, at a local care facility. He was born August 2, 1940, in Green Bay to the late Bernard and Marion (Hayden) Piontek. He was a graduate of St. Mary of the Angels Grade School and Green Bay East High School in 1958.
Following high school Dick served in the United States Air Force from September of 1958 until his honorable discharge in August of 1962. Dick married the love of his life, Donna Bailey on April 27, 1959, at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church. She preceded him in death on January 18, 2018. Dick was employed by Wisconsin Public Service until his retirement in 1999.
He was a longtime member of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish in De Pere and involved with the Knights of Columbus Abbot Pennings Council #3955. Dick loved going up north to the cottage where he enjoyed hunting, fishing and snowmobiling. He enjoyed traveling in retirement hanging out with family and friends. His true pride and joy were his grandchildren.
Dick is survived by four children: Teri (Glenn) Vanderheyden, Green Bay; Cyndi (Paul) Jensen II, Colorado Springs, CO; Butch (Jane) Piontek, De Pere and Tony (Shelly) Piontek, Suamico; 12 grandchildren: Brian Vanderheyden (Joel Hochstein); Kayla (Justin) Weber; Ashley (Andrew)Birder; Jake Piontek; Alley (Logan) Hermes; Paul (Laura) Jensen III; Nicholas Jensen; Makenzie Piontek (Jamie Dahlin), Morgan Piontek, Drew (Janel) O’Shaughnessy, Brett O’Shaughnessy (Cat Graber), Will O’Shaughnessy; 8 great grandchildren: Paige, Penelope, Dalilah, Madison, Marketa, Pasha, Grayson and Kennedy; two sisters, Anne (Jim) Hansen, Florida and Linda Colburn, Crivitz; brother-in-law, Patrick (Shirley) Bailey; sister-in-law, Randie Rowell; many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his in-laws, Donald and Beatrice Bailey; two sisters-in-law, Bonnie (Rudy) Gereau and Monnie Bailey and brother-in-law, Marty Colburn.
Friends may call at the Proko-Wall Funeral Home, 1630 E. Mason St. from 4:00-7:00 pm on Friday, February 23. A parish wake service will close the evening at 7:00 pm. Visitation will continue on Saturday at Our lady of Lourdes catholic Church, 1307 Lourdes Ave, De Pere, from 9:00-10:15 am. Funeral Mass 10:30 am at the church with Fr. James Baraniak, O.Praem officiating. Burial in Mount Calvary Cemetery. Online condolences may be sent to Dick’s family at www.prokowall.com. In lieu of floral expressions a memorial fund has been established.
Dick’s family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Michelle Zahn for the care and friendship given to our dad. Also, the staff at Renaissance Assisted Living, Rennes Nursing Home and lastly, everyone at Bristol Hospice.
Robert J. Walczyk Jr. is serving the family.