Wilfred “Bill” Joseph Cidlik, 78, of Paw Paw, IL passed away Tuesday, March 1, 2022, surrounded by his loving family, at Edward Hospital in Naperville. Bill was born October 26, 1943 in David City, Nebraska, the son of Irvin and Georgia (nee Svoboda) Cidlik. He married Patricia Hafer on June 10, 1967 in Seward, Nebraska.
Bill proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy for three years aboard the USS Dixie AD-14. He was a dedicated employee for almost forty years at Arrow Gear Company in Downers Grove until he retired in 2014. He enjoyed woodworking and was always creating and inventing new things. He was an avid sports fan who especially liked the Chicago White Sox, Nebraska football, Chicago Bears, and NASCAR. His favorite sports were the ones his kids played. He coached numerous teams and never missed a game. Bill loved his Czech heritage and listening to polka music, putting it on like clockwork every day at 5 P.M. Most recently, he reflected fondly with his family about spending time with his dogs, Molly and Penni, by his side. Bill was a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather. His grandkids loved to come to his home to spend quality time with their grandparents. He was a devout Catholic and member of St. James Catholic Church in Lee.
Bill is survived by his wife of almost 55 years, Pat Cidlik, of Paw Paw; four children, Cori (Tony) Hacker of Naperville, Kelli (Jim) Wright of Plainfield, Curtis (Mandy) Cidlik of Darien, and Traci A. Cidlik of Paw Paw; five grandchildren, Jack, Shelby, Allie, and Max Wright and Austin Cidlik; a step-granddaughter, Elizabeth Ferrigan; sister, Linda (Kenny) Woolsey of Rising City, Nebraska; sister-in-law, Patricia Cidlik of Dwight, Nebraska; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Irvin and Georgia Cidlik; and a brother, Raymond Irvin Cidlik.
Visitation will be from 4-8 P.M. on Monday, March 7, 2022, at the Torman Funeral Home, 510 Flagg St. in Paw Paw.
Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:30 A.M. Tuesday, March 8, 2022, at St. James Catholic Church, 231 Kirke Gate, in Lee with Father Bonaventure Okoro officiating. Interment will follow in St. James Calvary Cemetery in Lee with military rites. Contributions in Bill’s memory may be directed to the Smith-Reynolds American Legion Post 511 in Paw Paw. Please visit www.TormanFuneralHome.com to sign the online guest book.
Curt…my husband and I are so very sorry for the loss of your dad. Our prayers and sympathies go out to you and your family during this time.
Your friends from Naperville Elderly Homes are sorry for your loss. We will honor Bill’s memory with a donation in his name to Smith-Reynolds American Legion.
Your message *rip billyyouwere my battery mate in dwight nebraska for several years. i was honored to catch a no -hitter you threw. god must have need a left handed fireballer on his team. save a spot on the bench for me. sincere sympathies to the cidlik family.
jim bruner, brainard nebraska box82 68626
Your message *Bill was the best boss I ever had! The memories of working at Johnson Gear in Lincoln Lincoln will never be forgotten, especially the parties at Bill and Pat’s home! Sending prayers and love to him and his family!
Your message *Good bye Bill. You left behind many of us who loved you. Love and sympathies Pat, Traci and family.