Final Salute

William “Bill” Slavik, 85, died peacefully on Monday, Dec. 7, 2020. We were blessed that we, as a family, were able to communicate with him up to his final moments.

Bill was born Oct. 6, 1935, and grew up in Stevens Point, Wis., a son of William M. and Dyrrell Cahoon Slavik. He married Martha Bailey Aug. 16, 1959. She survives in Pontiac.

Also surviving are his daughter, Gina Kline, Colfax; his son, Rick, Eagle, Wis., grandson, Drew Kline, Kansas City, Mo.; granddaughter, Chelsea (Kavontae) Grismore, LeRoy; grandson, Will Slavik, Eagle, Wis.; great-grandchildren, Ava, Aliyan and Zander Grismore; favorite niece and nephew, Amy (Mike) Slavik Nowak, California, and Jack (Jody) Slavik, Washington.

He was preceded in death by his beloved brother, Robert E. Slavik.

Playing football was a passion of Bill’s in high school. He joined the Navy from 1955 to 1956 during peacetime. He was in the Seabees, CB= Construction Battalion. He had the hard station of being in Barbados building military bunkers. He was also in the honor guard while in the Navy.

After the Navy, he went to Illinois Wesleyan University where he met his wife. He built Redwood Homes Inc., section by section, into a showplace. He received the recognition of “Outstanding Mobile Home Park” in the central region. He was one of the firsts to offer self-storage units. Along with building the business together, he and his wife built a family with the birth of their daughter, Gina, and their son, Rick.

Bill had many interests and talents, most revolved around family. There wasn’t anything more important to him than his family. He lived life 110 percent and it was a great one at that. Anyone who knew him, remembers his infectious, robust laugh, sharp wit, generosity and the best bear hugs. He could usually be found out at Redwood, but if not, he was heading back north to his beloved Wisconsin. Family, Waupaca Chain O’Lakes and the Green Bay Packers were just a few of his loves. He loved Christmas and the decorating (even the lights on the blue spruce) and the giving of gifts.

He was a member of the Methodist Church in Pontiac, the Elks Club, Moose Lodge, MHMA, FMCA and served on the Chamber of Commerce. He was bigger than life! His family loved him and will miss him immensely. ‘Til we meet again.

The family suggests memorials be made to the Livingston County Humane Society, US Honor Dogs (on Facebook) or to a rescue organization of the donor’s choice.

Published on December 09, 2020