Bruce M. Sawicki

Bruce Michael Sawicki, age 75, of Oshkosh, passed away at home surrounded by family on August 4, 2026.

Bruce was born on January 17, 1951, in Oshkosh, the son of Roman and Donna (Koeck) Sawicki and the third of four boys. He grew up in a close-knit family and throughout his childhood developed many of the interests that would stay with him for the rest of his life. Cars were inevitably among them. His father and family operated Sawicki Pontiac in Oshkosh, sparking a lifelong appreciation for Pontiacs and old cars that Bruce later shared with his own son.

Bruce also had an adventurous side, particularly in his younger years, and was rarely opposed to traveling somewhere new when the opportunity presented itself. Some trips were carefully planned; others decidedly less so, but all were memorable. Whether that was cramming into an RV with his cousins, uncles, dad, and brother for a road trip to Alaska, convincing a friend to join him and another cousin on an excursion through California, Mexico, Australia, and Hawaii, or one of the many adventures in between, Bruce collected plenty of memories and stories along the way.

Bruce’s greatest adventure, however, was the family he built with his wife of nearly 40 years. Bruce met Mary Jane Tobisch after she moved to Oshkosh in the early 1980s, and the two married on September 13, 1986. Together they raised their son, Kevin, and built a life centered around family, home, and some of the simpler joys in life. In reflecting on their life together after Mary Jane’s death, Bruce would often say there was no greater blessing than the years they shared together as a family.

For someone who traveled so widely, Bruce was equally content at home. He could happily settle in to watch an old Western or find something to work on around the house or garage. Bruce was known for keeping his home and vehicles meticulously maintained. He was also mechanically inclined and could build, repair or improve just about anything he set his mind to, skills he readily passed along to his son.

Some of Bruce’s other favorite pastimes included attending car shows with Kevin or meeting up with friends or family for a couple of hot dogs down at Bob’s Trails End. Hunting and firearms were another lifelong interest. Bruce spent many years hunting, fishing, shooting trap, and camping. The Turtle-Flambeau Flowage in particular held a special place in the Sawicki family, and trips to the Flowage became a tradition shared across generations. Bruce continued those traditions with Kevin, passing along not only his knowledge of hunting, shooting, and the outdoors, but the many stories and memories that came with them.

Bruce was independent, practical, and famously particular. He could be stubborn and set in his ways, and those closest to him knew there was often little point in trying to change his mind once it was made up. He also had a dry sense of humor and a mischievous streak that left behind plenty of stories, some more suitable for publication than others. Most importantly, though, Bruce was dependable. He was someone family and friends knew they could call when they needed another set of hands, help solving a problem, or simply someone to go along for a ride.

Bruce is survived by his son, Kevin (Erin) Sawicki; his brothers, Randy (Patti) Sawicki and Craig Sawicki, both of Oshkosh; and other family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Jane (Tobisch) Sawicki; his parents, Roman and Donna (Koeck) Sawicki; his brother, Gary Sawicki; his nephew, Craig Sawicki; and his sister-in-law, Mary Sawicki.

Bruce’s family would like to extend their gratitude to the healthcare professionals who cared for him during his final months, particularly the nurses and staff at ThedaCare Regional Medical Center - Neenah for the compassion and support they provided Bruce and his family during an extraordinarily difficult time. The family is also grateful to the staff of the ThedaCare Cancer Center and ThedaCare Home Hospice for their care and support.

A visitation will be held from 9:30 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Most Blessed Sacrament Parish (St. Peter’s Church), 435 High Avenue, Oshkosh, Wisconsin. A Funeral Mass will begin at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Oshkosh.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the John Wayne Cancer Foundation.