Wayne Michael Jirovetz, 74, passed away peacefully at home on March 11, 2022, surrounded by his family after a decade of living with multiple myeloma and later, leukemia.
Wayne was born on February 1, 1948, the fifth of fourteen children of Grace (Yindra) and Frank Jirovetz. He grew up in Maribel, population of about 250, a perfect small community for Wayne, who loved the one room schoolhouse just beyond the garden fence.
At Denmark High School, Wayne loved sports. He played all major sports including football, his junior year starting at outside linebacker at 130 pounds, as well as baseball, basketball, and track. Wayne graduated from UW LaCrosse, taught at St. Matthew’s Catholic School for three years and was a member of the US Army Reserve.
For the next 35 years, Wayne worked at ASPIRO; he enjoyed working with the clients every day.
Wayne married Sharon Finnel on Friday, July 13, 1973, so the anniversary date would be easy for him to remember. And he did remember it every year! They had two daughters, Nora and Maggie, no sons and were blessed with three grandsons.
Quite an athlete, Wayne played fast pitch softball for many years in the Valley Classic League. Two special teams he played with were the Denmark Coin and Braunie’s Gin Mill. He also coached his daughters’ grade school basketball and soccer teams. Wayne was an avid golfer and runner who especially loved the Bellin Run.
Wayne was also an artist in his retirement years, completing over 90 oil paintings, most of which were gifted to family and friends.
Wayne is survived by his wife Sharon, Green Bay, two daughters: Maggie Jirovetz, Green Bay, and her son Alex Bauldry, Augusta, GA; Nora (Peter) Falk, Abrams, and their sons Isaiah and Ezra; 11 siblings: Sue Schumacher, West Bend; Bonnie (David) Frechette, Green Bay; Sally (Vic) Lucas, Marshfield; Patricia Jirovetz, Oshkosh; Robert Jirovetz, Green Bay; Mary Jirovetz, Manitowoc; Wendy (Dana) Johnson, Battle Creek, MI; Lori (Jeff) VanDalen, Wauwatosa; Lynne Jirovetz, Manitowoc; Jackie (John) DiCecco, Crystal Lake, IL; Chris Jirovetz, Appleton; sisters-in-law: Mary Jirovetz, Oshkosh; Diane Jirovetz, Manitowoc; Linda (Brock) DeVoe, Sullivan; Chris (Brad) Englebert, Two Rivers; brother-in-law: Brad Hoard, Two Rivers; nieces and nephews.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, two brothers, Doug Jirovetz and Fran Jirovetz, a niece Claire DiCecco, and a sister-in-law Judy Hoard.
The funeral will be held at St. John the Evangelist Parish where Wayne was an active member of the Finance Committee, a trustee, a Eucharistic Minister and a life-long usher. Visitation will be held at the church, 413 St. John St. on Friday from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. Friday at the church with Rev. Paul Demuth officiating. Burial will be in Allouez Catholic Cemetery. Proko-Wall Funeral Home is assisting the family and online condolences may be expressed at www.prokowall.com. A memorial fund has been established to benefit St. John the Evangelist Homeless Shelter.
We hope you enjoyed Wayne’s obituary as much as he enjoyed reading them daily.