On the late sunny afternoon of Friday, February 7, 2025, Norbert "Norb" James Baranczyk, age 95, peacefully passed away after a joyful day of playing cards with friends and his son, Don. He was born on May 31, 1929 to the late Laura (Holewinski) and Frank Baranczyk.

Growing up on his family's dairy farm in the Hofa Park area, Norb graduated from St. Stanislaus School in Hofa Park and attended Pulaski High School. He served in the Army during the Korean War where his tractor skills earned him a role as a truck driver. After 18 months of active military service overseas and almost four years in the Army Reserve, Norb embarked on a long career in driving semi for Red Owl in Green Bay.

On September 3, 1955, at Sacred Heart Church in Shawano, Norb married the love of his life Sylvia Irma Natzke. Together, they celebrated 61 years of marriage before Sylvia's passing on October 5, 2016. Their many years of marriage filled with love and joy, raising six children, twelve grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. Norb's passion for driving extended to their family adventures, as he and Sylvia converted an old bakery truck into their first camper. The family enjoyed countless camping trips across Wisconsin, Colorado, Florida, Canada, and beyond, with Shawano County Park being a favorite spot for fishing, boating, campfires, and card games.

Norb had a deep love for polka music, often dancing with Sylvia at family events, in a neighbor's garage, and at dance halls. Watching them dance to polkas and waltzes was truly magical. Norb also enjoyed watching Polka on TV every Sunday and playing his favorite card game, Sheepshead.

Norb's infectious smile and positive attitude left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was a beacon of positivity and will be deeply missed by his family, friends, neighbors, but most of all his children. He was the bestest dad ever.

He is survived by his children, Robert (Jean) Baranczyk, Donald (Amy) Baranczyk, Mary (Kenneth) Gehm, Wayne Baranczyk, Susan (Michael) Zittlow, Kevin (Becky) Baranczyk; grandchildren, Jake (Brittni) Baranczyk, Ben (Carly) Baranczyk, Abby (Dylan) Frea, Elizabeth (Adrian) Baranczyk, Ashley Baranczyk, Kendra (Tyler) Stargardt, Michael (Sydney) Gehm, Laura, Matthew, and James Zittlow; great-grandchildren, Abel and Wyatt Baranczyk, Josy and Murphy Frea; brothers, Sylvester (Sandy) Baranczyk and Fabian (Judy) Baranczyk.

In addition to his wife, Sylvia, Norb was preceded in death by his parents, stepmother, Stella (Gilarski); brother, Eugene; grandchildren, Jared Gehm and Jenna Baranczyk.

Friends and family will gather at St. Agnes Parish, 1484 Ninth St., from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. on Friday, February 14; Mass of Christian Burial to follow at 11 a.m. with Reverend Father Quinn Mann officiating. Entombment will be in the Allouez Chapel Mausoleum. To send online condolences, please go to www.BlaneyFuneralHome.com.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in honor of Norb's Aunt, Sister Lenore Baranczyk, to Hospital Sisters of St. Francis 4849 LaVerna Road Springfield, IL 62707. For online donations, you can visit the Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) donation page https://www.hshs.org/community/giving