Burlington - Ricky Lawrence Wawrzyniak, age 60, died peacefully from cancer at home on March 20, 2021.

Ricky is survived by his parents, Bettie (nee. Summerford) and Otto Wawrzyniak; wife, Carol (nee. Gyurina); daughters Megan Wawrzyniak and Kelly Almanza (Joe Almanza). He is preceded in death by his grandparents Otto & Bernice Wawrzyniak (Moon) and Claudie & Bertha Summerford (Kenosha).

Ricky was born on 9/6/1960 in Kenosha, WI to Bettie and Otto Wawrzyniak. He attended Bradford High School. Ricky worked at AMC in 1979, then moved to Toledo, OH in 1984 to work for Jeep. Ricky and Carol were married in 1986. He retired from Jeep in 2009. Ricky and Carol moved back home to WI in 2015. Ricky worked part time as a janitor at Lyons Center Elementary School. He took time to read to the kids on Friday afternoons, the kids loved him.

Ricky was my person, my best friend. He was gentle and loving. He would do anything for anyone and loved doing the unexpected. You are my sun, my moon and all my stars. My mind still talks to you. My heart still looks for you, but my soul knows you're at peace. I miss you every single day.....Carol

My popsi Ricky was born at night but not last night (our joke). He was the funniest, goofiest, caring and loving person I have ever known. I was extremely close to my Dad and would have done anything for him, as he did everything for me. I was a constant nervous scaredy cat and he would always gently push me to be a stronger, more courageous person. I will miss the day dates my Dad and I spent together every Monday. I will be his 'lil sous chef, Price is Right/Bonanza buddy and shopping pal forever. He always said "that nothing good happens after midnight." I'm at peace knowing at least he is not in pain anymore. I will always play your Saturday Badger 5 numbers because mom still wants to retire. I will love you always and forever Dad <3 Your Pacer/Meggie.

Words cannot express how much I miss my dad. His love was unwavering, laugh was infectious and strength was incomparable. I will remember my dad for his incredibly large heart and the ability to make anyone he speaks with feel important. My dad wasn't afraid to tell me that he loved me, believed in me and was proud of me, which made me the person I am today. My dad was well known for making up songs about anything and everything. Hearing him sing made even a bad day feel like it was going to be okay. Although I may not have given him grandchildren, I know that he absolutely loved my puppers, Nug and Dob. Dad, I promise I will continue to sneak them food for you.. when Joe isn't watching. The world got darker when he left, but I am positive it is much brighter where he is now. Papa, I love you forever and will miss you always..... Kelly Bear

Rick's personality was infectious. He enjoyed being with people. He made friends easily and was good at any sport he participated in. He made me laugh. A piece of my heart is missing.....Mom

Rick, I'll miss you when I take the boat out this year and have no one to pull all the big one's in for me and laugh when we pull in a little fish. Miss you Buddy....Dad

Rick was my hero when I was young and my friend when I was grown. He would take me for rides on his motorcycle and practice baseball me for hours to help me get better. Always laughing and joking and would always let his little sister tag along and be included....Heidi

Due to the sad circumstances, we need happier things to celebrate. So because of that, there will be a Celebration of Life held in the near future. We are going to celebrate what an amazing guy Ricky was.

Thank you Hospice of Aurora at Home. You have no idea how much your help and guidance has meant to us at this time.