{"id":7102,"date":"2026-10-21T13:32:46","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T13:32:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/?page_id=7102"},"modified":"2026-10-21T14:39:27","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T14:39:27","slug":"william-wigs-konichek-1913-1989","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/features\/william-wigs-konichek-1913-1989\/","title":{"rendered":"William &#8220;Wigs&#8221; Konichek 1913-1989"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1940_03_05_4-Athletic-director-at-Waukegan-began-career-in-Racine-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"383\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1940_03_05_4-Athletic-director-at-Waukegan-began-career-in-Racine-383x1024.jpg\" alt=\"**Athletic Director  \nAt Waukegan Began  \nCareer in Racine**\n\nWilliam (Wigs) Konicek, former Racine Athlete, is continuously kept on the jump with his present duties as Waukegan\u2019s athletic director. \u201cWigs\u201d began his athletic career in Racine playing football first for St. Catherine\u2019s high school and then for William Horlick high.\n\nLast fall \u201cWigs\u201d 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.\n\nIn grade school \u201cWigs\u201d 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\u2019s Island.\n\nDuties 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.\" class=\"wp-image-7119\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1940_03_05_4-Athletic-director-at-Waukegan-began-career-in-Racine-383x1024.jpg 383w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1940_03_05_4-Athletic-director-at-Waukegan-began-career-in-Racine-112x300.jpg 112w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1940_03_05_4-Athletic-director-at-Waukegan-began-career-in-Racine-768x2053.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1940_03_05_4-Athletic-director-at-Waukegan-began-career-in-Racine-575x1536.jpg 575w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1940_03_05_4-Athletic-director-at-Waukegan-began-career-in-Racine-766x2048.jpg 766w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1940_03_05_4-Athletic-director-at-Waukegan-began-career-in-Racine-scaled.jpg 958w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 383px) 100vw, 383px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Athletic Director At Waukegan Began Career in Racine. Racine Journal Times, March 5, 1940. <\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1954_11_07_16-presents-game-ball-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"645\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1954_11_07_16-presents-game-ball-645x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Racine Journal Times, November 7, 1954.\n\u2014Journal-Times Photo\n\nBill Wood, Racine Raider fullback recuperating from a leg operation at St. Luke\u2019s Hospital, accepts the game ball used in last Sunday\u2019s 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.\" class=\"wp-image-7126\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1954_11_07_16-presents-game-ball-645x1024.jpg 645w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1954_11_07_16-presents-game-ball-189x300.jpg 189w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1954_11_07_16-presents-game-ball-768x1219.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1954_11_07_16-presents-game-ball-968x1536.jpg 968w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1954_11_07_16-presents-game-ball-1290x2048.jpg 1290w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1954_11_07_16-presents-game-ball-scaled.jpg 1613w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 645px) 100vw, 645px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Racine Journal Times, November 7, 1954.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1956_09_02_26-Raider-football-squad-takes-shape-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"999\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1956_09_02_26-Raider-football-squad-takes-shape-999x1024.jpg\" alt=\"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.\" class=\"wp-image-7123\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1956_09_02_26-Raider-football-squad-takes-shape-999x1024.jpg 999w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1956_09_02_26-Raider-football-squad-takes-shape-293x300.jpg 293w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1956_09_02_26-Raider-football-squad-takes-shape-768x787.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1956_09_02_26-Raider-football-squad-takes-shape-1499x1536.jpg 1499w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1956_09_02_26-Raider-football-squad-takes-shape-1999x2048.jpg 1999w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1956_09_02_26-Raider-football-squad-takes-shape-50x50.jpg 50w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">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.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1967_10_18_40-singalong-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"738\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1967_10_18_40-singalong-1024x738.jpg\" alt=\"Tonite - Tonite - Tonite\nRacine's Original\nSINGALONG with WIGS\nfeaturing \nBetty Landrum\nVivacious, MC\nOrlando Romeo\nAccordionist Deluxe\n\nWigs 'N Ellie's\nCharcoal Lodge\n605 High St.\n634-0332\n- Just Delicious Food -\nNow Service\nNOON LUNCHEONS\nMon. thru Fri.\n11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.\nRacine Journal-Times, October 18, 1967\" class=\"wp-image-7109\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1967_10_18_40-singalong-1024x738.jpg 1024w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1967_10_18_40-singalong-300x216.jpg 300w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1967_10_18_40-singalong-768x554.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1967_10_18_40-singalong-1536x1107.jpg 1536w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1967_10_18_40-singalong-2048x1476.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Singalong with Wigs, featuring Betty Landrum, Vivacious MC, and Orlando Romeo, Accordionist Deluxe. Racine Journal-Times, October 18, 1967.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1969_09_07_30-High-Street-bowling-league-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"688\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1969_09_07_30-High-Street-bowling-league-688x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Racine Journal Times, September 7, 1969.\nBowlers!\nOPENINGS FOR\nTWO 5-MAN TEAMS in the Newly Organized\nHigh St. Tavern League . . . A Great Fun Group . . .\n. . . A Party Each Month . . .\n. . . All Sponsors Guaranteed . . . WED. NITES 6:45 at\nNORTH SIDE LANES \u2014 SPONSORS \u2014\n\n    Sky\u2019s Place - Loafer\u2019s Lounge\n    Romo\u2019s Club - Schonert\u2019s, Inc.\n    Prima Vera - Wigs \u2019n Ellies\n    North \u201cS\u201d Lanes - Skee\u2019s Club Erie\n\nInterested Parties\nCall \u201cWigs\u201d Konicek 634-0332\" class=\"wp-image-7103\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1969_09_07_30-High-Street-bowling-league-688x1024.jpg 688w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1969_09_07_30-High-Street-bowling-league-201x300.jpg 201w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1969_09_07_30-High-Street-bowling-league-768x1144.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1969_09_07_30-High-Street-bowling-league-1031x1536.jpg 1031w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1969_09_07_30-High-Street-bowling-league-1375x2048.jpg 1375w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1969_09_07_30-High-Street-bowling-league-scaled.jpg 1719w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 688px) 100vw, 688px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">High Street Tavern League, Racine Journal Times, September 7, 1969.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1973_07_09_27-auction-wigs-and-ellies-restaurant-scaled.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"367\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1973_07_09_27-auction-wigs-and-ellies-restaurant-367x1024.jpg\" alt=\"39\u2014Auction Sales\n\nAUCTION\n\nLocated in the dining room at Wig\u2019s &amp; Ellie\u2019s Restaurant, 605 High Street, Racine, Wis.\n\nThursday - July 12th  \nCommencing at 1:00 o\u2019clock\n\nCOLLECTIBLES AND FURNITURE\u2014  \noriginal 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\u2019s 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.\n\nWilliam (Wig\u2019s) Konicek  \nOwner  \nChristensen &amp; Kuiper, Auctioneers  \nWISCONSIN SALES CORP.  \nclerk &amp; cashier  \nUnion Grove, Wis., phone 878-2421\nRacine Journal Times, July 9, 1973.\" class=\"wp-image-7111\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1973_07_09_27-auction-wigs-and-ellies-restaurant-367x1024.jpg 367w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1973_07_09_27-auction-wigs-and-ellies-restaurant-107x300.jpg 107w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1973_07_09_27-auction-wigs-and-ellies-restaurant-768x2146.jpg 768w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1973_07_09_27-auction-wigs-and-ellies-restaurant-550x1536.jpg 550w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/The_Journal_Times_1973_07_09_27-auction-wigs-and-ellies-restaurant-733x2048.jpg 733w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 367px) 100vw, 367px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Auction. Racine Journal Times, July 9, 1973. That is an amazing collection of decor from Wigs &#8216;N Ellies.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Obituary_for_WILLIAM_C_KONICEK_1913_1989-obituary-Racine-Journal-Times-July-10-1989.jpg\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"431\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Obituary_for_WILLIAM_C_KONICEK_1913_1989-obituary-Racine-Journal-Times-July-10-1989-431x1024.jpg\" alt=\"KONICEK, MR. WILLIAM C. (WIGS)  \n800 Augusta St.\n\nIn memory of our beloved Wigs who passed away at St. Mary\u2019s Medical Center on Friday, July 7, 1989. Wigs was born in Racine on May 12, 1913. He was united in marriage to Eleanor M. \u201cEllie\u201d 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\u2019s 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 \u201cPep\u201d (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\u2019s 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\u2019s Medical Center pulmonary function have been suggested by the family.\" class=\"wp-image-7105\" srcset=\"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Obituary_for_WILLIAM_C_KONICEK_1913_1989-obituary-Racine-Journal-Times-July-10-1989-431x1024.jpg 431w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Obituary_for_WILLIAM_C_KONICEK_1913_1989-obituary-Racine-Journal-Times-July-10-1989-126x300.jpg 126w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Obituary_for_WILLIAM_C_KONICEK_1913_1989-obituary-Racine-Journal-Times-July-10-1989-647x1536.jpg 647w, http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/Obituary_for_WILLIAM_C_KONICEK_1913_1989-obituary-Racine-Journal-Times-July-10-1989.jpg 750w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 431px) 100vw, 431px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Obituary for William &#8220;Wigs&#8221; Konicek, Racine Journal Times, July 7, 1989.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on the_content --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on the_content -->","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p><!-- AddThis Advanced Settings generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><!-- AddThis Share Buttons generic via filter on get_the_excerpt --><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":33,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-7102","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7102","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=7102"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7102\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7128,"href":"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/7102\/revisions\/7128"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/33"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.vindustries.com\/racinehistory\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=7102"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}