Douglas Potaczek

Douglas Robert Potaczek, 74, of Cornell, WI, passed away peacefully at Dove Healthcare West in Eau Claire, WI, surrounded by family.

He was born on November 9, 1950, to Joseph and Helen (Ponick) Potaczek. Doug was a logger, employed at Lake Holcombe Industries in Cornell for many years. He did scrap and fixed anything he could from vehicles to lawnmowers, snowblowers, and everything in between. He helped many people and had a caring heart for helping people fix things.

In the last few years, Doug enjoyed riding around Cornell with his dog on his lap many times a day, and on his rounds, he would stop in to see his grandkids, Greysen and Ella, daily. He enjoyed sitting out at Brunet Island Park watching the deer and squirrels.

Doug is survived by his companion of the last 9 years, Princess/baby, his dog, and children: Samantha Potaczek (Derek Christie), Joe (Jessica) Potaczek, Troy (Loren) Potaczek, Lisa (Bryan) Ciolkosz, Clay (Rebecca) Potaczek, and Melissa (Todd) Roshell. Stepchildren: Erica (Duane) Helland, Amanda (Jerry) Smith, Randy (Amanda) Crabb, Brenda (Bill) Miller, Joleen (Mike) Kane, 26 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren Survived by siblings Virginia Ellis, Sandra Larson, Cynthia (Lewis) Yetter, Jerry (Harriet) Potaczek, Jackie Wood, Timmothy (Sally) Potaczek, Alois "Bear" (Heidi) Potaczek, John (Patrice) Potaczek, Joanne Olynick, and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Helen; brothers Helmer, Rodney, and Thomas Haroldson; Joey and Allen Potaczek; brothers-in-law Russel Larson, John Ellis, LeRoy Wood, and Carl Olynick. Sister-in-laws Gay Lou, Florence, and Doris Haroldson. Carol and Carlene Potaczek.

A Celebration of Doug's Life will be held on what would have been his 75th birthday, November 9, 2025, at Sweeney's Y-Go-Bye, Cornell, WI, from 10-2.

Cremation Society of Wisconsin, Altoona is assisting the family. Online condolences may be shared at www.cremationsociety-wi.com.