Franciszek Wiśniewski Celebrates His 100th Birthday
More than seven decades of marriage to his wife Łucja, five children, ten grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren – this remarkable family legacy accompanies the 100th birthday of Franciszek Wiśniewski of Toruń. Even after turning eighty, he continued venturing into the forest in search of mushrooms. To mark this extraordinary milestone, the centenarian was presented with the Marshal of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region’s Unitas Durat Palatinatus Cuiaviano-Pomeraniensis Medal by Katarzyna Lubańska, Vice-President of the Regional Parliament.
“A 100th birthday is an extraordinary milestone and a testament to a life rich in hard work, devotion to loved ones, and experiences that have become part of the history of our region and our country. I wish you good health, high spirits, and many reasons to smile every day,” wrote Piotr Całbecki, Marshal of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region, in his congratulatory letter.
Franciszek Wiśniewski was born on 25 June 1926 in Książki, in Wąbrzeźno County. He grew up on a small family farm, where from an early age he learned the values of hard work, responsibility, and respect for family traditions. He was raised alongside three sisters and a brother by his parents, Antoni and Gertruda Wiśniewski. One of his sisters is still living today.
His childhood coincided with one of the most difficult periods in history. During the Second World War, he was assigned to forced labour on a German-owned farm in his hometown. Despite the hardships of wartime, he recalls those years as relatively peaceful compared with the fate of many of his contemporaries. After the war, he began working for the railway in Wolin, in today’s Zachodniopomorskie Region. He later returned to his home region and took up employment with the local Cooperative Society in Książki. In 1975, he moved to Toruń, where he has lived ever since.
Family has always held a special place in Mr. Wiśniewski’s life. In May 1950, he married Łucja (née Cheba). Their marriage, which has now lasted more than 76 years, is a remarkable example of mutual respect, devotion, and enduring family bonds. Together they have five children, ten grandchildren, fourteen great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren. Mrs. Wiśniewska celebrated her 95th birthday on 16 June.
Throughout his life, Mr. Wiśniewski has remained active and curious about the world. He was passionate about fishing and mushroom picking, and even after the age of eighty he eagerly headed into the forest to search for mushrooms.
His family describes him as hardworking, cheerful, and blessed with a wonderful sense of humour. He has always enjoyed spending time with family and friends, winning people’s affection with his optimism and kindness. Today, surrounded by children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren, he remains a source of cherished memories, wisdom, and inspiration for his loved ones. Mr. and Mrs. Wiśniewski live with their daughter Henryka, while their other children also help care for their parents.
Families of residents of the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region who are about to celebrate their 100th birthday, as well as those of even older residents, are encouraged to contact the Marshal’s Office by telephone at +48 56 621 83 44 or by email at stulatkowie@kujawsko-pomorskie.pl.
Facts about Centenarians in the Kujawsko-Pomorskie Region:
- The regional self-government has been honouring centenarians since 2018.
- More than 570 people have received the Unitas Durat Medal to date.
- Among the recipients were twin sisters from the Lubraniec municipality, who both celebrated their 100th birthdays – a remarkable longevity inherited from their mother.
- The programme has also recognised centenarians who fought for Poland’s freedom, including Colonel Urszula Tauer, honoured on her 105th birthday.
More stories can be found in the “Peers of Independence” section.
Beata Krzemińska
Spokesperson of the Marshal’s Office
7 July 2026
