On Tuesday, November 25, 2025, we said goodbye to Paul J. Bialzik, who passed away peacefully after battling colon cancer with remarkable courage and grace. He was 78 years old.

Paul was born on November 21, 1947, the son of Francis and Edith (nee Kuklenske) Bialzik. He grew up in the Town of Port Washington and then the Town of Fredonia. He graduated from Random Lake High School with the class of 1965.

On July 4, 1970, Paul married his high school sweetheart, Kathryn "Katie" Lanser. For 55 years, they shared a life built on love, loyalty, and a deep, steady companionship. Together they raised three loving children: Anna (Brad) Roats of Snohomish, WA; Christopher of Port Washington; and Daniel (Kevin Lynch) of Milwaukee. Paul adored being "Papa" to his granddaughters, Kayleen and Alyssa of Arizona, and they brought a special light into his life. He was a wonderful husband, father, and grandfather—steady, kind, and always there when we needed him. We will miss him more than words can say.

Anyone who knew Paul knew how gifted he was with his hands. If something was broken—mechanical or otherwise—Paul was the one we called. He could fix almost anything, and he did it with patience, curiosity, and that quiet confidence that made you believe everything would work out. He served his country with pride in the United States Navy for five years, and throughout his life he kept teaching himself new things: how to play the guitar, how to paint, how to sketch. He found joy in creating, and we found joy in watching him.

Paul had a wonderful sense of humor, one that filled our home with warmth. He made his wife laugh every single day—a gift she will always treasure.

Paul is survived by his wife Katie, his children, his beloved granddaughters, and his seven siblings: Claire (Don) Galles of Palm Coast, FL, Patricia (the late Jack) Griffith of Palm Coast, FL, Gregory (Teresa) Bialzik of Random Lake, WI, John (Joan) Bialzik of Whitney, TX, Marilyn Hawe of Cedar Grove, WI, Robert (Barb) Bialzik of Cascade, WI, and Ruth (William) Leider of Belgium, WI. He is also survived by ten brothers and sisters-in-law: Ronald (the late Roxanne) Lanser, Marjorie (Robert) Schinker, Monica (the late James) Gantner, Mary Jo Lanser, Rick Lanser, Larry (Rita) Lanser, Jane (Ken Smith) Lanser, John Lanser, Linda (Joe) Pigeon, and Lori (Paul) Barthelemy, along with many nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, other relatives, and countless friends whose lives he touched.

He is preceded in death by his parents Francis and Edith Bialzik, and his in-laws Norbert and Johanna Lanser.

Because Paul never wanted a fuss made over him, there will be no formal funeral services at this time. Instead, we will gather together for a celebration of his life at a later date—something he would have appreciated, surrounded by the people he loved.

The Eernisse Funeral Home of Cedarburg is honored to care for our family. Online condolences may be shared at www.eernissefuneralhome.com.