Francis X. Wysocki, 80, Custer, died Saturday, Sept. 30, 2017, at his home.

He was born Dec. 15, 1936, in the town of Sharon to Francis X. Wysocki and Clara (Grenier) Wysocki. He attended local grade school in Ellis and graduated in 1955 from P.J. Jacobs High School.

He was married to Harriet Schulist July 18, 1959, in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Polonia. In 1953, Mr. Wysocki and two of his brothers partnered with their father, Francis Sr., and began farming potatoes. Over time, as the business expanded to include grading, packaging and marketing of potatoes, he continued to focus on the farming aspect and became the Farm Manager, a position he held until his retirement.

Because it was a family farm, he enjoyed the opportunity to mentor his children, nephews and neighboring kids, always emphasizing the meaning of hard work and the importance of doing every job correctly. After his retirement, he enjoyed helping out every year during planting and harvesting.

He served 10 years (1985-1994) on the WPVGA Board of Directors, including three years as president (1992-1994). He was a director of the National Potato Council for many years and was also the regional representative of the NPC Research Subcommittee for several years. He served many years as chairman of the Research and Education Committee for the Wisconsin Potato Industry and was co-chairman of the Potato Research Excellence Fund Drive.

He has received numerous agricultural awards and honors, including Outstanding Service to the FFA and the Central Wisconsin Chamber of Commerce, Outstanding Contributions to the Wisconsin Potato Industry, the University of Wisconsin College of Agricultural and Life Sciences Potato Research Support Award, and in 1997, he received the NPC Gold Potato Award for his leadership and dedicated service to the potato industry.

He was active locally in his church and community as a member of the Holy Name Society and the St. Isadore Society. He served as Parish Council president at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Polonia, for a number of years as well as Eucharistic minister. He served the town of Sharon as the Town Treasurer for 25 years.

He loved music, especially polkas, “oldie goldies,” and country western. He was an avid sportsman and has acquired many trophies throughout the years.

Mr. Wysocki is survived by his wife, Harriet; their six children,  Dr. Allen (Joan) Wysocki, Gainesville, Fla., Brian (Lori) Wysocki, Almond, Dan (Bonnie) Wysocki, Plainfield, William (Marla) Wysocki, Plover, Tim (Amy) Wysocki, New Brighton, Minn., Joy (Chris) Lee, Goshen, Ind.; 15 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; three brothers, Louis Wysocki, Gregory Wysocki, and Lawrence (Carol) Wysocki; and one sister, Justine (Leonard) Brilowski.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one brother, John; and three sisters, Jeannette Orlikowski, Mary Louise and Philomene Wysocki.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 3, with a rosary to follow at 8 p.m., at Pisarski Funeral Home, 703 2nd Street in Stevens Point.

Visitation will also be held at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday until a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Polonia Wednesday, Oct. 4, with Rev. Gregory Michaud officiating. Burial will follow at St. Martin’s Cemetery in Ellis. Pisarski Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family. For online condolences please visit www.pisarskifuneralhome.com

In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to the Sacred Heart Church Beautification Project or to St. Martin’s Church Maintenance Fund (online donations can be made at the Community Foundation of Central WI at cfcwi.org).