William "Bill" Slavik Obituary (1935

William "Bill" Slavik, 85, died peacefully on December 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, Wisconsin, a son of Dyrrell (Cahoon) and William M. Slavik. Playing football was his passion in high school. He joined the Navy 1955-56 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 Martha (Bailey) Slavik. They were married on August 16, 1959. 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, they built a family with the birth of their daughter, Gina and 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% 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 are 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 is survived by his wife Martha of Pontiac; daughter Gina Kline of Colfax, IL, son Rick of Eagle, Wis; grandson Drew Kline, Kansas City, MO; granddaughter Chelsea Grismore(Kavontae) Le Roy, IL; grandson Will Slavik, Eagle, Wis; great-grandchildren Ava, Aliyah and Zander Grismore; favorite niece and nephew, Amy Slavik Nowak (Mike) of California and Jack Slavik (Jody) of Washington. His beloved brother Robert E. Slavik preceded him in death. He was a member of the Methodist Church in Pontiac. He was a member of 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. If you would like, in memory, please make a donation to the Livingston County Humane Society, US Honor Dogs (on FB) or a rescue organization of your choice.