George “Jim” Hudak Jr, age 94, died peacefully after complications from a fall at the Marshfield Medical Center on April 25, 2025. Jim was surrounded by his loving family who will greatly miss him.
He was born on October 4, 1930 in Marshfield, WI to George and Loretta (Frederick) Hudak. Jim completed his education up to the 8th grade. In 1951 at the age of 21 he was drafted into the U.S. Marine Corps. and was stationed at Camp Pendleton in California. There he served as a cook and was honorably discharged in 1953. After Jim was discharged from the Marines, he returned to Marshfield where he worked at various mobile home plants and met the love of his life, Sandy Schoelzel, at a dance. They were united in marriage on July 23, 1960 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Colby, WI. They made their home in Marshfield where they raised their three children.
Jim’s primary occupation was with the University of Wisconsin Marshfield in the Building Maintenance Department where he was known to take great pride in his work and the telling of many jokes. After his retirement he went to work at Karau’s grocery store packing groceries.
Jim was a long-time member of St. John’s Catholic Church and attended faithfully until he was wheelchair-bound and unable to attend, but he enjoyed having “the Communion lady” come to serve him communion.
The family could not have asked for a better husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa. He was dedicated to his family. Though never much of a traveler, he always made sure the family went on summer vacations when the kids were young. For his 50th wedding anniversary, he went on a cruise which he thoroughly enjoyed.
Jim always had a great sense of humor and a joke ready to tell. Even being wheelchair- bound later in life, he never lost his sense of humor. In his earlier years, Jim loved to polka dance, and in later years he loved watching Mollie B’s Polka Party on TV and listening to polka music. He had many favorite shows on TV, especially old westerns, and was a huge Roy Rogers fan. Jim was also an avid reader and enjoyed playing many rounds of cards. He enjoyed being taken for rides in the country and watching the birds at his birdfeeder. As a great-grandpa he enjoyed giving the great-grandkids rides on his motorized wheelchair. Jim very much enjoyed all the visits from the nieces and nephews and friends over the years. The family would also like to give special thanks to Reyna and Rita, his caregivers.
Though our husband, dad, grandpa and great-grandpa had a long life of 94 years, the time still feels too short and the hole in our hearts too large. He was greatly loved and admired, and words cannot express the sadness we feel at having to let him go. Though we know he is with Jesus and walking once again, our hearts are heavy as our lives go on without him.
Jim leaves behind his loving wife of 64 years Sandy Hudak, his children Brenda Erickson, Marshfield, Scott (Jo Ann) Hudak, Medford, and Stacey Hudak, Chicago. Grandchildren Alison (Luis Arellano) Hudak, Medford, Logan (Kelly) Erickson, Cyprus, Nicole (Valerie Rubinsky) Hudak, Maine, Kaylea (Michael) Copeland, Utah, Bailey (Gage) Piller, Hudson, and Kara Hudak, Medford. He is also survived by his great-grandchildren Amaya, Alyvia, Luka, Leopold, George, Hugo, Eleanor, Grant, Niall, and Peter.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents, brother Walter Hudak, sister Betty Oertel, and many in-laws.
Arrangements are provided by Rembs Funeral Home. The service was held on Friday, May 2, 2025 at St. John’s Catholic Church. Visitation was at 10:00 a.m. with the funeral Mass beginning at 11:00 a.m. The service was streamed online at www.facebook.com/rembsfuneralhomes. Burial followed at Gate of Heaven Cemetery where military honors were conducted by American Legion Post 54 – Marshfield.
Condolences may be sent online at www.rembsfh.com
