Obituary of Paul M. Ryszka

~~Paul M. Ryszka, age 38, of Wisconsin Rapids, passed away at his home surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, May 25, 2017 following a courageous battle with cancer.
 
Family and friends are invited to attend Paul’s Life Celebration from 1-4 P.M. on Saturday, June 3, 2017 at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home, 2201 Chestnut Street, Wisconsin Rapids.  A prayer service will follow the Life Celebration at 4:00 P.M. on Saturday at the funeral home.
 
Paul was born October 14, 1978 in Green Bay, WI to Dr. Donald and Bonita (Follett) Ryszka.  He graduated from Oconto Falls High School and later from the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay where he earned his degree in computer science.  Paul spent the last 10 years with the love of his life, Sara Janz, by his side.  Paul and Sara were blessed with life’s greatest gift on April 15, 2015 with the arrival of their daughter, Lilyanna.  On January 14, 2017 Paul and Sara experienced their “fairytale” wedding. 
 
Paul was employed by Renaissance Learning as a software engineer in Wisconsin Rapids for many years.  Paul had a special place in his heart for his amazing and supportive coworkers, referring to them as his “work family.”
 
Paul was known for his big smile and ever present twinkle in his eye.  He was a huge fan of Star Wars, becoming an even bigger fan when his daughter Lily took a liking to Yoda.  He enjoyed “Guy’s Weekend” where he and his friends would gather at his home around several big screen TVs and play video games and enjoy one another’s company.  Paul loved to cook, trying new recipes, and entertaining family and friends.  He always had to have the latest gadgets, which he thoroughly researched before purchasing.  Paul also enjoyed shooting sports and flying his drones and hobby helicopters, however Paul’s greatest love was spending time with his adoring wife, Sara, and their daughter, Lilyanna.  Paul loved being a father and was known to be a “big kid,” especially when he was with Lily.  Paul and Lily enjoyed singing songs together, dancing, having tea parties, and pretending to cook.  Paul also enjoyed sharing his love for technology with Lily. Paul, Sara, Lily and his dad, Don, recently enjoyed a once in a lifetime trip to Disney. Paul was an avid Green Bay Packers fan and loved his pets, especially his cat “Critter.”
 
Paul is survived by his loving wife and soulmate, Sara Janz and their daughter Lilyanna; his father and best friend, Dr. Donald Ryszka of Wisconsin Rapids; his mother, Bonita Follett of Abrams, WI; maternal grandmother Margaret Follett; stepfather, Thomas Hickey of Utah; brother Brendan (Andrea) Hickey and their daughter Leona of Texas; sister, Rachel Hickey of Green Bay; father and mother-in-law, Gary and Bobbi Janz of Wisconsin Rapids; brothers-in-law: Nick (Amy) Janz and their children Mackenzie, Jaedyn, and Cooper of Warrens, WI, Jesse (Katharine) Janz and their daughter Eleanor of Newport, WA, and Justen Janz (Sarah Lawton) of Amherst Junction, WI. Paul is also survived by his aunts, uncles, cousins, and special friends Eric Hendrickson, Scott Rasmussen, and Paul Jablonski.  He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Harold Follett; paternal grandparents, Bernard and Angeline Ryszka; brother-in-law, Brian Janz; and special friend Paul “Little Paul” Rutkoske.
 
Paul’s family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you for the tremendous care given by his medical team at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Marshfield Clinic.  Your kindness and compassion in helping Paul through his journey did not go unnoticed.
 
A special thank you to our families for their generous support throughout our journey, because of you, dreams did come true.
 
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be designated to a fund which is being established for Paul’s daughter, Lilyanna’s education.
 
Paul was strong and determined to win his fight against cancer and he did just that. He fell in love, became a father, and lived life to the fullest.  Paul won his battle as he is now free to run and watch over his family.  We love you Daddy!  Love, Sara and Lilyanna