William "Bohemian Bill" Kalcik, age 94, of Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin passed away on July 10, 2024, at home surrounded by his loving family.

Visitation for Bill will be on Friday, July 19, 2024, from 4:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the Picha Funeral Home – Wisconsin Dells. There will be a private family service on Saturday, July 20, 2024, followed by a burial at Spring Grove Cemetery.

The son of Charles and Mary (Pavelka) Kalcik, Bill was born into a large family on January 12, 1930, in Chicago, Illinois. Raised in the struggles of the depression era, he began his business career at the age of six in order to assist his family, selling peanuts at live concerts & events in Grant Park and Navy Pier in Chicago. It was here that he developed a love of opera & classical music. At the outbreak of WWII, all materials and resources were rationed for the war effort including radios. New radios were hardly available, and he saw an opportunity here to repair old radios from people's attics. This turned into a new business and by the age of 18, he opened his first radio store. This eventually led to the addition of television and that operation ran for 57 years. He served in the Army in Korea where he was assigned to kitchen duties. Upon seeing his lack of culinary skills, his commanding officer quickly reassigned him, as a radio operator, of course. He always claimed that he can't even boil water.

But, not to worry, he married the love of his life (and a great cook) JoAnn Gracner on October 31, 1959. The couple enjoyed 64 wonderful years together as both husband & wife as well as business partners. As the family grew, they traveled extensively including frequent short trips to Wisconsin Dells where they purchased Meadowbrook Resort in 1973, expanding it over the years. Having grown up in an era of Western movies, he developed a love of the American West including the history, culture, art, antiques, and music, which led to another business venture, the Old West Chuckwagon dinner shows.

Bill loved to be around people, and he literally talked to everyone, everywhere he went, always handing out his business card hoping to find another antique radio. His collection grew to nearly 1000 radios. Although quite worldly, his humility allowed him to connect with people on any level. He spoke fluent Bohemian and greatly admired his ancestry. His extensive travels took him to all 50 states, much of Canada & Mexico and elsewhere, enjoying several family cruises later in life. All his life, Bill took care of his parents, siblings, other family members, and anyone he encountered in need. He lived a long meaningful, accomplished life, not bad for a guy with only a 6th grade education.

Bill is survived by his wife JoAnn, and two sons: Bill (Ann) and Scott (Annie) Kalcik. He is also survived by his grandchildren Katie Kalcik and Daniel Kalcik, along with many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents and several brothers and sisters.