Racine- Recently the sound of a lone Harley Davidson was heard in the distance: it was the sound of Matt Poplawski riding into eternity. Matthew James Poplawski, 57, was born in Racine on April 4, 1954, the third son of Jerome and Faith (nee: Williams) Poplawski. He was educated in Racine schools and was a 1972 graduate of St. Catherine’s High School. Matt went on professionally to earn numerous technical certificates to become an accomplished environmental engineer, employed by SC Johnson Wax for over 34 years. He retired from the Company in 2011.
Matt was devoted to his family, friends and co-workers, often putting them before himself. In spite of his sometimes rugged exterior he possessed a heart of gold, often sacrificing his own holidays and free time so that co-workers could spend holidays with their families. His four brothers and sister will remember him for his "quick wit" along with his love and devotion to his family, especially to his mother. To others, he will always be remembered as a true friend. Matt also loved animals, especially his Doberman Pinscher, Boo who he met again on his final journey.
Passionate about sports and his motorcycles, Matt was a Harley-Davidson enthusiast and was a lifetime member of the Harley Owners Group – Racine Chapter. His other interests included electronics, computers, hunting, fishing and restoring automobiles. He was a tried and true Green Bay Packers fan.
Surviving are his loving family: his mother, Faith Poplawski of Mt. Pleasant, brothers Mark (Linda) Poplawski, and Jerome "Jay" (Kathy) Poplawski, of Mt. Pleasant, Michael Poplawski of Chino Valley, AZ, a sister Joyce (Mark) Onosko of Mt. Pleasant and brother Greg (Lori) Poplawski; of Mequon. He is further survived by nieces and nephews, Marcus (Abby) Poplawski, Christina (Jakub) Andrzejewski, Amy Poplawski, Beth Poplawski, Holly (Jeremy) Schwanke, Colton Poplawski and Ellie Poplawski; great-nephews and niece, Bace, Marek and Greta Poplawski along with aunts Lena Dumesic, Ruth Ertl, Dorothy Scheel, Mary Roskilly and Bettie Williams and other dear relatives and friends.
Matt was preceded in death by his beloved father, Jerome Joseph Poplawski and great-niece, Elise Poplawski.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Saturday, February 11, 2012 at 10:00 am in St. Richard of Chichester Catholic Church, 1509 Grand Avenue, with Rev. Allen Bratkowski and Deacon Howard Wirtz officiating. Interment will follow in West Lawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be in the church on Saturday from 9-10 am. In memory of Matt, memorials to St. Catherine’s High School or to the Harley Owners Group – Racine Chapter have been suggested.
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