Harry M. Idzikowski

Age 94, formerly of Milwaukee, passed away and entered into the loving arms of his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at Kindred Heart Assisted Living in Fond du Lac on Saturday, November 3, 2012 with his family by his side. Harry was born on September 12, 1918 in Milwaukee to the late Max and Josephine Idzikowski. He graduated from Riverside High School in 1936 and was part of the legendary cross country program there that eventually won the most state championships in Wisconsin state history. After graduation, Harry sold shoes for The Kinney Shoe Company before entering the United States Army in 1941 during WWII. While serving in the Pacific campaign, he was a survivor of the USS Calvin Coolidge, a troop transport ship which was hit by a Japanese torpedo and sunk. He served in the Solomon Islands including the battle at Guadalcanal before being sent stateside for an injury. He was honorably discharged in 1946. He married the late Pauline Pucek in 1948 and resided in Wauwatosa and in Jackson. Harry worked for 35 years at the Perlick Company in the refrigeration department where he achieved many annual records for perfect attendance. He retired in 1988.He loved to fish, bowl, travel, and play his harmonicas. He was considered a virtuoso at the harmonica and was asked to demonstrate his talent at many Hohner Harmonica Seminars. He played for many civic and church organizations in the greater Milwaukee area and had the distinction of meeting and befriending the songwriter and folk singer, Eddie Rabbit. He was also a member of the Milwaukee Accordion Club.Harry is survived by his children: Carol (Cam) Kurer, George (Debbie) Idzikowski, Donna (Bill) Grage, and Robert (Julie) Idzikowski. He is further survived by his beloved grandchildren: Sarah, Katie, and Peter Kurer; Evan and Shawn Maloney, and Justin Curro, as well as other relatives and friends.He was preceded in death by a daughter, Patricia Ann Idzikowski; two brothers: Edward and George and a sister Elanor; a sister-in-law, Dorothy Idzikowski and brother-in-law Carl Schaub.Harry was a man of many wonderful quotes. One of his favorite quotes was: "It's easy enough to be happy when life goes along like a song, but a man worthwhile is one who can smile when everything goes dead wrong."Harry enjoyed life and will be dearly missed by all those who knew and loved him.Visitation will be at the Funeral Home on Saturday, November 10, 2012 from 9:00 to 11:00 AM, with the Funeral Service at 11:00 AM. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery with full military honors.A special thank you to all the staff at Kindred Heart Assisted Living and Heartland Hospice in Fond Du Lac for their excellent care and kindness.