Donald Woychik

Donald Anthony Woychik, 87, died Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI. Donald was born on June 12, 1937, in Arcadia, WI to Paul and Sophia (Suchla) Woychik. The youngest of nine siblings, he grew up on the family farm in the Town of Arcadia, where his life-long interest and love of agriculture was first ignited. As a child, he was well acquainted with cultivating corn, one row at a time, guiding the horse on bareback, while his father steered a walking cultivator behind them. Donald's father firmly insisted that Donald use a thick blanket on the horse's back, not for his own comfort, but so that the horse wasn't injured.

Throughout his childhood, Donald displayed an intense curiosity in mechanical and electrical engineering. Together with his young brother, Paul, they replicated the Wright Brothers experiment at Kitty Hawk, building and launching a homemade airplane from a farm building, with Donald as pilot. The novice aviators experienced limited success, when the plane crashed. As a student at Independence High School, Donald was awarded the State Farmer Degree, as well as the prestigious National Farmer Degree in 1957, at the National FFA Convention in Kansas City, MO. After the conclusion of the convention, Donald insisted on traveling to Independence, MO, where accompanied by his father and brother, he sought out, met, and had a lengthy conversation with former President Harry Truman, at Truman's office.

After graduation, Donald worked briefly in St. Charles, IL where he was employed as a welder. Later, he returned to Trempealeau County, where in 1960 he purchased his own dairy farm with his brother. His keen passion for understanding electricity, enabled him to become a Certified Expert Court Witness in matters involving the effect of electrical stray voltage on dairy herds. Donald's testimony was often crucial to a successful litigation for farmers in the area. Donald's knowledge also included a remarkable understanding of motors, tractors, hydraulics, and other machinery, and the ability to repair, restore, and invent agricultural equipment of all kinds. Donald also served on the Independence School Board, the District Board of Directors for Western Technical College, and the Waterworks Board for the City of Independence. Additionally, he supported the restoration of the historic City Hall Opera House, personally repairing the clock and bell tower to functionality.

Donald met Rachel Rothering in Waumandee, WI, and they were married on October 13, 1962. Together, they raised crops, dairy cattle, and later poultry on their farm, proud to declare that "He was feeding the world." In later years, the couple enjoyed camping and traveling. Donald never forgot his Polish heritage, and would enjoy giving free lessons in the Polish language to friends and family.

Donald is survived by his wife of 62 years, Rachel; their daughter, Renee (Thomas) Marsolek; and son Glenn (Dawn) Woychik, all of Independence. He is further survived by grandchildren, Laura (Jake) Johnson of Melrose, WI, Kaitlyn Marsolek (Jeremy Wnek) of Eau Claire, WI, Benjamin Marsolek, Sophia Woychik (Damon Schmalzriedt), and Madelyn Woychik, all of Independence.

Donald was preceded in death by his son, Randy Woychik; siblings, Roman, Clara, Edmund, Dorothy, Helen, Rita, Marion, and Paul. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am, on Friday, February 28, 2025 at S.S. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, with Father George Thayikuzhitottu officiating. Family and friends are welcome for visitation at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, prior to mass at the church. Burial will be in the church cemetery. To leave an online condolence for his family, please visit www.edisonfuneralhome.com.