Bennett Wichlacz

Bennett D. Wichlacz, age 18, of Green Bay, passed away unexpectedly on August 2, 2024 after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his parents as he went to meet Jesus. 

He was born on September 2, 2005 and came to live with his forever family on January 6, 2006. He was currently a senior at Wisconsin Virtual Academy and looked forward to all the therapist visits he received weekly. Bennett watched many sports on TV and was an avid Packers fan, wearing all of his gear during the season and offseason. He loved playing baseball as part of Miracle League teams for 15 years. Bennett liked music, bright lights, and stuffed animals that sang and made unique noises. At the lake house, he looked forward to lying on his hammock in the screen porch and going on pontoon boat rides around the lakes. 

Bennett loved family gatherings for birthdays, holidays and other celebrations. He liked tasting ice cream, frosting, whipped cream, and (of course) bacon. Bennett had special ways of communicating with his family including saying just a few words like Mom and yeah; using some sign language and a speech app on his iPad. He had a great sense of humor and figured out how to use his medical equipment to get the attention he wanted. Bennett conveyed his happiness by lighting up a room with his smile. With the love and support of his entire family, he was able to exceed all expectations despite his very rough start in life. Bennett will be so greatly missed by his family and friends.

Bennett is survived by his parents: Sarah and Sharon; siblings: Seth, Elliot (Joan Freitag) and Abigail; grandmother Carla Cross; aunts and uncles: Steve (Terre) Cross, Deb (Richard) Bellin, Wayne (Jolene) Wichlacz, Lee (Paula) Wichlacz; cousins: Stephanie Wichlacz, Alison (Gareth) Baur and their children Nessa and Charles, David (Sara Hagen) Wichlacz, Michael (Elizabeth) Wichlacz, Ben (Tyler) Wichlacz, Rachel Wichlacz, Elizabeth Wichlacz, Larry (Trista Jacobs) Bellin and their son Oliver, Lydia (Jonathon) Petrack and their son Jonathon.

He was preceded in death by his brother, Devon; grandparents: Richard Cross, Andrew and Janice Wichlacz; uncle Greg Wichlacz and aunts Kay Lynn Wichlacz, and Toni Cross.

Family and friends may visit at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 130 St. Matthew Street, Green Bay, on Saturday, August 10, from 9:00am until 10:45am. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00am with Fr. Bob Kabat officiating. Burial will be in Allouez Catholic Cemetery.

Our family would like to thank the staff of the St. Vincent PICU for their many years of loving care for Bennett especially Dr. Taylor and PICU nurse, Michelle, as well as Unity Hospice and the UW Organ Donor Team.

Memorials may be directed to the Miracle League of Green Bay.

In honor of Bennett’s love of the Packers, please wear your favorite Packer apparel.