William “Wigs” Konichek 1913-1989

**Athletic Director At Waukegan Began Career in Racine** William (Wigs) Konicek, former Racine Athlete, is continuously kept on the jump with his present duties as Waukegan’s athletic director. “Wigs” began his athletic career in Racine playing football first for St. Catherine’s high school and then for William Horlick high. Last fall “Wigs” was the regular quarterback for the Waukegan Collegians, directing the team to its seven triumphs. Before that he played with the Waukegan Eagles semi-pro eleven for two years. In grade school “Wigs” was an active member of the Catholic Sokols. He played two years of football with the Seft Coal team after leaving high school and one season with the North Side Merchants. He was also active in local softball and basketball circles, playing softball with the Case team and two years of basketball with Kony’s Island. Duties of Mr. Konicek include handling softball, baseball and basketball programs. He also is about to start a pingpong league and is planning to organize a morning gym class for business men, supervising the drill himself. He intends to inaugurate a touch football league next fall among the grade schools in order to increase material for future high school teams.
Athletic Director At Waukegan Began Career in Racine. Racine Journal Times, March 5, 1940.
Racine Journal Times, November 7, 1954. —Journal-Times Photo Bill Wood, Racine Raider fullback recuperating from a leg operation at St. Luke’s Hospital, accepts the game ball used in last Sunday’s Raider match with Elmhurst from Wigs Konicek, business manager. The game, won by the Raiders 21-7, was dedicated to Wood who was injured two weeks ago at Aurora. The Racine eleven plays at Roseland this afternoon.
Racine Journal Times, November 7, 1954.
General Manager Wigs Konichek (left), Head Coach Frank Shinkowitch (center) and Line Coach Orv Dermody check over roster chart as Raider football squad takes shape. Practice sessions Tuesday and Thursday nights will serve as tuneup for Bi-States League opener with Trail's End Lodge of Milwaukee at Horlick Athletic Field Saturday night. Racine Journal Times, September 2, 1956.
General Manager Wigs Konichek (left), Head Coach Frank Shinkowitch (center) and Line Coach Orv Dermody check over roster chart as Raider football squad takes shape. Racine Journal Times, September 2, 1956.
Tonite - Tonite - Tonite Racine's Original SINGALONG with WIGS featuring Betty Landrum Vivacious, MC Orlando Romeo Accordionist Deluxe Wigs 'N Ellie's Charcoal Lodge 605 High St. 634-0332 - Just Delicious Food - Now Service NOON LUNCHEONS Mon. thru Fri. 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. Racine Journal-Times, October 18, 1967
Singalong with Wigs, featuring Betty Landrum, Vivacious MC, and Orlando Romeo, Accordionist Deluxe. Racine Journal-Times, October 18, 1967.
Racine Journal Times, September 7, 1969. Bowlers! OPENINGS FOR TWO 5-MAN TEAMS in the Newly Organized High St. Tavern League . . . A Great Fun Group . . . . . . A Party Each Month . . . . . . All Sponsors Guaranteed . . . WED. NITES 6:45 at NORTH SIDE LANES — SPONSORS — Sky’s Place - Loafer’s Lounge Romo’s Club - Schonert’s, Inc. Prima Vera - Wigs ’n Ellies North “S” Lanes - Skee’s Club Erie Interested Parties Call “Wigs” Konicek 634-0332
High Street Tavern League, Racine Journal Times, September 7, 1969.
39—Auction Sales AUCTION Located in the dining room at Wig’s & Ellie’s Restaurant, 605 High Street, Racine, Wis. Thursday - July 12th Commencing at 1:00 o’clock COLLECTIBLES AND FURNITURE— original paddle wheel, nickel plated coal stove, 3 round oak tables, 13 square and oblong oak tables, oak chairs, old double barreled hammer shotgun, Japanese World War II rifle, large wrought iron light, wagon wheel lights, electrified lanterns mounted on eveners, scenery picture with light, pictures and frames, several coffee grinders, mounted deer heads and horns, mounted squirrel, owl and cattle horns, cattle skulls, wood wagon and buggy wheels, spinning wheel, wine press, wood keg, pony collars with hames, church bench, podium, old high women’s shoes, ox yoke, old high chairs, lanterns, horse shoes, coffee pots, flat irons, bellows, wood rake, sythe, walking cultivator, cream can, carpet beaters, lamps, bee duster, harness, fly nets, knick-knacks, broad axe, pitchers, crocks, jugs, mugs, RR lights and lanterns, beer signs, National cash register and many other items. William (Wig’s) Konicek Owner Christensen & Kuiper, Auctioneers WISCONSIN SALES CORP. clerk & cashier Union Grove, Wis., phone 878-2421 Racine Journal Times, July 9, 1973.
Auction. Racine Journal Times, July 9, 1973. That is an amazing collection of decor from Wigs ‘N Ellies.
KONICEK, MR. WILLIAM C. (WIGS) 800 Augusta St. In memory of our beloved Wigs who passed away at St. Mary’s Medical Center on Friday, July 7, 1989. Wigs was born in Racine on May 12, 1913. He was united in marriage to Eleanor M. “Ellie” Zukley on April 27, 1946 at St. Anastasia Church, Waukegan, IL. He served in the U.S. Navy for four years during WWII in the South Pacific. He owned and operated, with his wife, Wigs and Ellie’s Charcoal Lodge and later, for many years, operated a yellow cab for the Yellow Cab Company. He played semi-professional football and was co-founder of the Racine Raiders in 1953. Surviving him are his wife Ellie; daughter Luane Konicek at home; three sons and daughters-in-law Brian (Connie) Konicek of Racine, Rory (Carol) Konicek of Racine, Nile (Shelly) Konicek of Wind Lake; three beautiful granddaughters, Nanette, Colette, and Casandra; two brothers and sisters-in-law George (Virginia) Konicek of Racine, Joseph “Pep” (Bernice) Konicek of Racine; sister and brother-in-law Helen (Joseph) Powell of Racine; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Ray (Irene) Zukley of Zion, IL, Edward (Betty) Zukley of Ft. Lauderdale, FL; nieces, nephews, other near relatives, friends and all the special friends at St. Mary’s Medical Center who gave special care to Wigs during his convalescence. He was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Klara Konicek and a brother Wencel. Funeral services will be held at the MARESH-MEREDITH FUNERAL HOME, Main at 8th Sts. on Tuesday, July 11, 1989 at 9:00 a.m. with the Rev. Stephen V. Labaj officiating. Interment will be held at North Shore Garden of Memories, North Chicago, IL. Visitation will be this (MONDAY) evening from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In memory of Wigs, memorials to the St. Mary’s Medical Center pulmonary function have been suggested by the family.
Obituary for William “Wigs” Konicek, Racine Journal Times, July 7, 1989.