Service Details
The celebration of his life, with full military honors, will be held at Christ Church United Methodist, 5109 Washington Ave. on December 11th at 1:00 p.m. Visitation will be in the church from 11:00 a.m. until the time of the service.
Memorial Suggestions
For those wishing, memorials can be directed to either the National MS Society of Wisconsin, P.O. Box 88540, Carol Stream, IL 60188, The American Heart Association, 7272 Greenville Ave. Dallas, TX 75231, or the Holy Communion Food Pantry, 2000 W. Sixth St. Racine, WI 53405.
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Miller's Flowers
Dr. Joseph R. Wilczynski, 87, passed away at Ascension-All Saints on Wednesday, November 29, 2023. He was born in Gary, Indiana on September 24, 1936, the son of the late Joseph and Julia (nee: Bodja) Wilczynski,
Dr. Wilczynski started his career as a licensed pharmacist after receiving his degree from Purdue University, and later received his medical degree from Indiana University, and completed his residency at the Medical College of Wisconsin. He served his country with the U.S. Army. On September 15, 1973, here in Racine, he was united in marriage to Sharon I. Widenski. He served the Racine Community as a beloved OB-GYN for over 44 years, delivering over 10,000 children here.
Dr. Wilczynski was a member of Christ Church United Methodist, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the Racine County Medical Society, and the Wisconsin Medical Society. He was very humble about his accomplishments and gave freely of himself and his resources anonymously.
Surviving are his wife, Sharon; their four children, Dr. Mark (Kalynn) Wilczynski, Laura (Michael) Rosett, Paul Wilczynski, and Maren (Aaron) Chalekian, all of the Minneapolis Area; eight grandchildren, Rose, Andrew, Peter, Grace, Clayton, Nathan, Lydia, and Sullivan; and sister-in-law, Mary Ann Wilczynski, of Crown Point, IN. His nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many former patients also survive him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Eugene and William Wilczynski. His legacy lives on not only through his children and grandchildren but as well the thousands of babies he delivered and the generations that follow.
Anonymous says
The best Obgyn I ever had! Condolences to the family!
Mary Carls says
Kind, humble, appreciative and professional with a great sense of humor. That is how I would describe Dr. Wilczynski. I worked for him as his transcriptionist for 15 years. If I made a mistake he would say it was HIS fault! I am so saddened by his loss. My sympathy goes out to his family.
Patricia Benson says
Sharon,
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. May your many memories of Joe and your wonderful life together sustain you now and in the days to come.
Adam, Dawn (Rosett) & Arianna Alirez says
To the entire Wilczynski family! We are so saddened by the loss of your husband, father, and grandfather. We trust all the memories you have with him will continue to live in your heart for eternity. Our deepest condolences during this time! Lots of love!
Nancy and Bill McRae says
Laura and Mike, I am so sorry to hear of the death of your beloved Father. There will be so many, “I wish I could ask dad!” Give the boys an extra squeeze from Auntie Nancy, and keep holding each other tight! You are in my prayers. We will be with you in our thoughts as I am not able to travel right now. An extra hug from us to you guys! Love you!
Terri Maynard says
I am so incredibly sad ….he was just the best…he was my OB/Gyn for years and was the best when I had my son…..he was so kind and caring…..he was a friend….great man and doctor….RIP my friend…
Cathy Dolan Rognsvoog, RN says
I feel very fortunate to have had Dr. Wilczynski as my personal OB-GYN MD for over 40 years since I was 18 years old and even though I never had children he always made sure that I had no other medical issues going on. He was the BEST OB-GYN ever at Ascension!!! May he RIP knowing that he provided the BEST CARE to all of his Patient’s and that he was truly a WONDERFUL PERSON as an MD and a FAMILY MAN.
Mary Granger-Perry says
Such a caring man and OB. He will be missed 🙏
Jill Gould says
oh, I’m so sad for everyone’s loss. Dr. Wilczynski was my doctor for many years. He was the best. Very kind and caring and always smiling. I was sad when he retired, but I knew he surely deserved to enjoy his later years. It seems like yesterday. Where have all the years gone?
Anonymous says
Such a people person. He was a great doctor. Delivered our son.
Terri Maynard says
Dr. Wilczynski was the best…he was my doctor and delivered my son……he was a kind man and a spectacular doctor..
I am saddened to hear of his passing…….Rest in Peace….
Anon says
I’ll miss you Uncle.
Anonymous says
The absolute best OB/GYN Dr. I have ever had. I was so sad when he retired. He was always so kind and caring. He had genuine concern. He was a wonderful person. My sincere condolences to his family.
Jill DeVries says
He was absolutely the best Doctor. He was so kind and he would listen attentively.
He delivered my baby 23 years ago but I speak highly of him to this very day!! Thoughts and prayers for his family.
Anonymous says
In 1978 after much infertility I gave birth at 26 weeks to a daughter 2# 7oz. She thrived, has two masters, four children and a wonderful life. I am forever grateful that God sent this caring, talented man to help me. My prayers are with you all.
Anonymous says
He was very personable and I loved him as my ob/gyn. Delivered my oldest son just after returning from hand surgery. Rest in peace, Dr. Joe.
Anonymous says
I was so very sad to hear about his passing. He was absolutely one of the most selfless and humble men I have ever met. He loved his family so much. Had a great laugh too. He will be greatly missed.
KZ says
He was the best! I had him for over 30 years and he delivered all 3 of my babies. Prayers for his family.
Amanda says
He was my OB/GYN for many years and delivered both of my kids. He was my Dr until he retired. He was the best! My condolences to his family on their loss.
Carol Binkowski says
So very sorry to hear of his passing. Dr. Joe was my OB/GYN for many, many years, and delivered my daughter 22 yrs ago. He was such a kind, caring and attentive doctor. I was very fortunate to have been one of his patients. Prayers go out to his family & friends. RIP Dr. Joe.
Mary Ann Bresnahan says
The Kindest Man ever, and a TRUE Dr of LIFE!!!
Brenda Booker says
Sharon,
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my prayers.
Helene Di Iulio says
This is sad. I knew Dr. Wilczynski as a volunteer for Family Planning, Inc of Racine. He was well liked by everyone there, staff and patients. He was a friend of my husband Ray Di Iulio when Ray was CEO of St. Lukes’s Hospital.
Sincerely,
LaKeesha Shannon says
The best Doctor he delivered all 4 of my kids I am forever grateful for him being a part of our life and bringing so many life’s in the world .My sincere condolences to the family
A Thankful Mom says
Dr. Wilczynski, was a wonderful man. Very kind and caring. Upon delivery of our son, he rushed in to the room with no medical gown on. He delivered our son in his Sunday church clothes. As we were handed our beautiful newborn baby boy, we discussed what to name him and we asked the good Doctor what names he named his children. When he mentioned the name Paul, that one sounded very nice to us and so we named our son Paul!
A Thankful Mom says
To the Wilczynski family, our sincerest condolences to you all. May God be with you now and in the days to come.
Donna (Krogh) Runnels says
Dr. Wilczynski was God’s gift to women. I became his patient in 1972 as a blushing bride to be. He was funny, so kind, so friendly. At a time when having husbands in the delivery room was still relatively new, his belief in giving the patient what she wanted never waivered. He didn’t push medication/anesthesia that you didn’t need during labor/delivery. My sister, Sharon, worked as one of his receptionists in 1975 when both the Wilczynski’s and myself were expecting our first babies. Another of his employees (Nonnie?) made baby quilts for both of us. This was back in the day when you didn’t know your baby’s gender (thank God, the surprise was so much fun!). I received the baby boy quilt, and the Wilczynski’s received the baby girl quilt. As fate would have it, we ended up trading quilts after our babies were born. I later taught Lamaze classes for five years. Dr. Wilczynski was always one of our biggest supporters. I moved to Maine in 1997, but he would still ask after my mother and myself when he saw my sister. He was a wonderful man and a terrific doctor. He was one of my favorite people that I ever met. How sweet that his patients are being mentioned as surviving him. He will be missed by everyone that knew him.
Karen Hess says
God Bless you Dr Joe! You have your wings now & boy do you deserve to be at peace & fly high. Soar with the eagles in God’s loving arms!
Dr Joe delivered both my boys 1978 & 1988. He was the best ! He truly cared for his patients & gave the best of care. My heartfelt thoughts & prayers go out to his family. I will be forever grateful for his caring & expertise knowledge bring my babies into this world & forever changing my life. God Bless you Dr Joe 💖🙏
LJC says
Dr. W. had a very special kind of dedication to his patients and our community! He delivered both of our boys in 1978 & 1982. Deepest sympathy to his family.
Diane Lange says
Dr. Joe was a kind, gentle, skillful & humorous doc to work with for the 21 years I worked as an Labor & Delivery nurse. Consistently patient with a “natural process” , yet decisive . He sure loved his Sharon!
sharon shouldice says
My first son was due on Christmas Day, but decided to wait a little longer. Dr. Joe gave me a heads up that he would not be available because of a vacation starting New Year’s and said he could induce me on New Year’s Eve Day, so that’s when our Andy was born in 1974. Fast forward 3 years and our Mark was due then too, but he was in a rush to see us and was born 45 minutes after arriving at the hospital on December 27, 1977. Dr. Joe was there for us, a kind and patient man, and we were so grateful to have him for our doctor. Heartfelt sympathy to his family, and blessings to him for being there for SO many babies and their families over the years.
Cherri Chambliss says
The most kindest, gentle, compassionate OB-GYN doctor ever in Racine. He delivered my son (41 yrs ago)
Mary and Gary Feest says
Dr. Joe was always kind, compassionate, and respectful. He spent time talking and laughing with us (the L&D nurses). I worked with him for 22 years and he was also my OB who supported me through years of infertility. He delivered our daughter, as well. I was sad yet happy for him when he retired, I missed him as my doctor. He was excited to spend more time with his family. My thoughts and prayers are with you, Sharon and family. May God bring you peace. ❤️🙏🏻
Lisa & Yogi says
Dear Sharon and the whole family, Sending all of you sincere condolences filled with peace and love for this sad time. Our connection is as neighbors and we will remember Dr. W. fondly driving by… What a cool job bringing babies into the world! Godspeed Joe!
Jeffrey L. Musson, MD says
I’m so sorry for your lost. Dr. Wilczynski was a calming influence in the office and able to find a solution that worked for all. I will miss my practice partner having worked with him from 1989 until his retirement.
Nancy Sander says
Dr Wilczynski was my dr for over 40 years! From 1969 to when he retired. I was only 18 when I first went to him. He was the best and always gave you his time and attention. The only gynecologist I ever had. My sympathies to his family.
Mary Baumg says
Dear Sharon and the entire Wilczynski Family,
Our deepest sympathy to all of you. Dr. Wilczynski was the absolute best!! He was easy to work with, kind, professional, knowledgeable, and he had a great sense of humor. He saw me through five pregnancies and years after that. When George and I had our first baby, he came in on his day off in the middle of the night to deliver her. We were so blessed to have his care for so many years. He was a true patient advocate and mentor. May all your precious memories give you comfort. RIP.
George and Mary Baumgardt
Nancy P says
My condolences to the family. He delivered all seven of my children.
Sharon (Krogh) Thornton says
I was blessed to have worked as a receptionist for him from 1974-1978. Besides being a great doctor for all (including for me), he was so much fun to work for. He had such a great sense of humor and a great laugh. He truly cared about those around him. It was a sad day for his patients when he retired. I cherish the fun memories I have working there, and pranks that went on. (The stories I could tell!) He was indeed a treasure to all whose lives he touched.
Tammi McCright says
My 🙏🏿 and condolences to Dr Wilcynski’s family. I was blessed to have him as my physician for many years. He was a kind, caring, trust worthy, knowledgeable health care professional. You are in my prayers.
Sara Jerry says
You such an excellent doctor and person. Your true compassion for your patients super exceeds any doctor out there. You were warming instruments before it was a thing. RIH fly high🙏❤🙏❤