Emil J. Foytik, 92, of Phillips, WI, passed away on Sunday, July 14, 2024, with his family by his side. Emil was born on March 26, 1932, in Phillips, to Frank and Rosalie (Lysak) Foytik.
He attended Mount Hope and Little Elk school in Phillips, before working on the farm with his family. In 1952, he joined the US Army to serve in the Korean Conflict as an engineer, serving in Fort Riley, Kansas, Fort Leonardwood, Missouri, and Fort Benning, Georgia. During his time in the service, he married Frances Polacek on August 22, 1953. After serving, Emil worked on his family farm and at Lionite Hardboard until his retirement in 1994. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and St. Patrick and St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church. In retirement, he enjoyed traveling, making firewood, helping on the farm, walking in the woods to find mushrooms, making wine, woodworking, and dancing to polka music.
Emil is survived by his wife, Frances; children, Diane, David (Karen), Mary Jackson, Dana (Jay) Janssen, Nancy (Joe) Kofler, Neil (Barb); 16 grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; sister-in-law, Violet; numerous nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his parents; siblings, Frank (Leona), Frances (Frank), Jim Lila), Marie (Hugh) Gallagly, Tony (Jean), Joe (Marge), Anne Foytik, John, Emily (Vigo); grandchildren, Adam and Emily.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, July 19, 2024, at St. Therese of Lisieux Catholic Church, 655 S. Lake Ave, Phillips, WI 54555, with Father Madanu Lourdu Raju officiating. Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. and continue until the time of the Mass at the church. Burial will be in St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery, Phillips. Heindl-Nimsgern Funeral Home is assisting the family.
