Ralph J. Walechka
Ralph J. Walechka
ESCANABA — Our dearly beloved Ralph J. “Jim” Walechka, 82, of Escanaba, was peacefully welcomed into the arms of Our Lord on Wednesday November 19, 2025.
Jim was born August 18, 1943 and lived most of his youth on the family farm in Gourley Township. Throughout his career he worked as a woodsman, furniture maker, foreman, fabricator, machinist, heavy equipment operator and volunteer fireman. On May 16, 1991, he married the love of his life, Vivian (Gorzinski) (Mroczkowski). He was an exceptional father and wonderful, loving grandfather to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren who always brought him much enjoyment. He will be greatly missed by the many that loved him.
Ralph “Jim” Walechka is survived by his loving wife: Vivian; sons: Jeffery (Stephanie) and Lenny Walechka; daughter-in-law: Andrea Walechka; step-daughter: Barb (John) Roberts; brother: Don Walechka; sisters: Mary (Jerry) Piche and Linda (Graham) McNamee; sisters-in-law: Rosy Walechka, Elizabeth Walechka, Marjorie Blahnik, Susan Gorzinski and Sally Lautner; brother-in-law: Raymond Roschyk; and grandchildren: Natosha, Devyn (Alexandria), Austin (Jasmine), Alaina (Duncan), Danny (Kailee Fernandez), Justin (Angel Simpson), Emily Walechka, Lisa (Jerry) DeBacker and Loretta Roberts; great-grandchildren: Jeffery, Tristan, Kaiden, Rafael, Josephine, Hadden, Everette, Kaiden and Gwiniver; along with many nieces and nephews.
Jim was preceded in death by his parents: Emil & Emma Walechka; brothers: Marvin and Kenneth Walechka; son: Kelly Walechka, brother-in-law: Raymond G. Gorzinski; and sister-in-law: Elizabeth Roschyk.
Visitation will be held at St. Anne Catholic Church in Escanaba, on Friday, November 28, 2025 beginning at 10:00 am EST until time of Mass of Christian Burial celebrating the life of Ralph “Jim” Walechka at 11:30 am EST with Father Francis DeGroot officiating. Entombment will be in Gardens of Rest Mausoleum in Wells, MI. Anderson Diehm Funeral Home of Stephenson, MI has been entrusted with the arrangements.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in his honor may be directed to Vivian Walechka. As per Jim’s wishes, there will be no photo boards or video, however may his memories always remain in your heart.