William Howard Kalczynski

William was the widow of his late wife Suzanne Kay Kalczynski, and they were married for 54 years. They were married on December 10, 1966, and spent their life together in Williamston, Michigan. Together Suzanne and William raised two children and were very proud grandparents as well. William is father to Tammy Lynn Gilroy and Matthew William Kalczynski. He is a very beloved poppa to Kelsey Laurel Kalczynski. He is the father-in-law to Brandon Gilroy and Jennie Schaibly-Kalczynski. He was the son of the late Ted and Doris Kalczynski and was a son-in-law to the late Mary and Ray Povey.

William or as affectionately known to so many as “Wild Bill” peacefully passed away Sunday evening, January 19th, at home surrounded by family. He was surrounded by family members and dear friends in his final days at the hospital and at home, as well being with his loving beagle Daisy Kay at the very end. Most importantly his granddaughter Kelsey was able to be with him during this time.

Wild Bill grew up in Webberville and was the middle son of Ted and Doris Kalczynski. The family farm on Moyer Road was directly across from the Leo-Bea Farm, owned by his grandparents Leo & Beatrice Gould. During his childhood he raised dairy cattle with his great-grandfather, father and two brothers Gary and Dave. He loved the farm life, and was active in FFA. He graduated from Webberville High School and went on to work for a short time at Fisher Body in Lansing, then began a lifetime of driving semi-trucks for Solomon Brothers, Central Transport and USF Holland. He became a Teamster in 1968 and retired in 2004. BUT he didn’t stay retired long… he went to work for Stevens Construction and continued driving with his CDL until December 2024.

After the death of Suzanne, he brought Daisy Kay home in August of 2021, and she saved his life. She was his loving “no-bark beagle” until the very end, and to everyone that he knew, he would say “Want to see a picture of my girlfriend?” He would proudly then show them a picture on his phone. Daisy loved her rides in the truck, and he spoiled her with stops at McDonalds often.

Wild Bill had many interests. In his early years he loved fast cars and drag-racing. He loved snowmobiling in the Michigan Winters whether it was locally in the fields of Williamston and Webberville or traveling with his buddies up north. He loved hunting and fishing. Fishing, whether it be out on the open water of Saginaw Bay or an ice-covered pond in Williamston was something he found great joy in because it meant he could spend time with friends and family, and he really worked on those “fish stories” he told so well. Just this past year he finally bought his “hot-rod” convertible and loved driving it with the top down…

A celebration of life will be held at the Eagles Club in Williamston, Michigan when it is a little warmer because one thing that dad said was “it is too damn cold right now”. His ornery humorous personality was in full spirit right until the end. Please join with the family as we gather to celebrate the life well lived of William “Wild Bill” Kalczynski at 1:00pm on Saturday, March 29, 2025, at the Williamston Fraternal Order of Eagles, located at 835 High Street, Williamston.

Our dad was a friend to everyone and an enemy of none. This is a celebration, and we invite you to come as you are, and please bring a story, memory or photo to share if you have one. A lunch will be provided. For more information, please call or text Tammy Gilroy at 517-231-1440.

In lieu of flowers please consider making donations to Shriners Hospitals for Children, Processing Center, P.O. Box 947765, Atlanta, GA 30394 or online at https://donate.lovetotherescue.org/campaign/618584/donate in William’s memory.