Phillip Pionek
Posted: June 1, 2014 9:32 AM
FITCHBURG – Phil Pionek, age 71, of Fitchburg, passed away on Monday, May 26, 2014, at his home after a long and courageous battle with cancer.
He was born on June 22, 1942, in Milwaukee, to Dr. and Mrs. A. Pionek. He married Marilyn J. Mueller on September 30, 1967, and they celebrated 46 years together. Phil attended Spencerian College in Milwaukee for court reporting, where he was a member of the Phi Theta Pi Business Fraternity.
He started his career working for Brown County Judge Richard Farrell and for Manitowoc County Judge Harold Mueller. His career then took him to Green Bay where he worked for Judge John Jaekels. On a leap of faith, he changed careers and accepted the position of executive assistant to Bud Adams, president of the Houston Oilers. After a brief stay in Houston, he knew that his family's heart was back in Green Bay. Putting the family's feelings before his own, they moved back. It was then that he became the executive assistant to Judge Robert Parins and Robert Harlan of the Green Bay Packers.
While with the Packers, he was the secretary of the Green Bay Packers Foundation. The highlight of his career with the Packers were the many wonderful friends he made and going to two super bowls. While living in Green Bay, he was a member of many local organizations. Phil will always be remembered for being a kind and soft-hearted soul, his love for his family and cheering on the Packers and Brewers. He fought cancer with courage and without complaint. May he now rest in peace.
Phil is survived by his wife, Marilyn; children, Beth (Tom) Stone and Jason (Karolyn) Pionek; granddaughters, Carson and Sonja Pionek; grandsons, Carter and Ethan Stone; sister, Carol Brown; sister-in-law, Kathleen Haven; nieces and nephew; and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. and Mrs. A. Pionek; brothers, Fred and Dave Pionek; brother-in-law, Jerry Brown; and sister-in-law, Joyce Pionek. It was Phil's wish to have a viewing with no service.
Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL HOME, 2950 Chapel Valley Rd., Fitchburg, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m., on Saturday, May 31, 2014. The family would like to thank the entire staff at the UW Carbone Cancer Center for their kindness and caring during Phil's journey with cancer.
A special thank you to Dr. William Shelman and Dr. Peter Newcomer for treating Phil with expert care, compassion and dignity. The family would also like to thank Kendra, Stacy, Abby, Erica, Therese, Kathy and Kari, for their love and friendship. We will never forget any of you. Thank you to the wonderful people at Agrace HospiceCare who made his final days easier.
In lieu of flowers, it was Phil's wish that contributions be made to GI Cancer Research in his name; c/o Katie Williquette, 600 Highland Ave. K4/658, Madison, Wis. 53792-6164. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.