Richard "Papa" Wroblewski

Richard "Papa" Wroblewski passed away on January 29, 2025, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He was born on August 2, 1947, and grew up in Blue Island and Chicago, Illinois, alongside his twelve siblings.

Richard began working at a young age on the docks of Chicago before being drafted into the U.S. Army at 21 during the Vietnam War. His unit selected him as a tunnel rat due to his small stature and fearless nature. He was awarded a Bronze Star and multiple Purple Hearts for his bravery. After returning from Vietnam, he and his first wife, Marilyn, were stationed at Fort Carson, making Colorado their home. Together, they had three children. Later, Richard met his second wife, Claudine, and welcomed another daughter and a stepson into his life.

A skilled craftsman, Richard spent most of his career in construction, mastering every aspect of the trade from residential homes to industrial buildings. He could build a shopping mall with toothpicks! His talents extended beyond work—he enjoyed woodworking, repairing boat motors, and home renovations. Summers were often spent at his cabin in Canada.  He was a licensed pilot and lit up like a child when he got the opportunity to fly.

Richard cherished time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, sharing adventures in Canada, boating on the lake, fishing, skiing, and making simple memories like Slurpee runs after school.

He is survived by his sisters Charlotte and Loretta Wroblewski; his children Michael (Nicole) Wroblewski, Kenneth (Staci) Wroblewski, Caryn (Brent) Renholm, and Erika (Clint) Warner; as well as many grandchildren and several great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents Stanley and Martha Wroblewski, ten siblings, his first wife Marilyn, and his stepson Andrew Munson.

A service will be held on March 14, 2025, at 2:00 p.m. at Pikes Peak Cemetery, 10545 Drennan Road, Colorado Springs, CO 80925.