William C. Cahak

William C. Cahak, age 90, of Wisconsin Rapids passed away peacefully on October 17, 2025.
A funeral service will be held on Monday, October 27, 2025, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Port Edwards at 11:00am. Visitation will take place from 9:00am until the time of service.
Bill was born on May 22, 1935, in Antigo, WI, to Clarence and Rosie (Gleich) Cahak. He graduated from Antigo High School in 1953. Following high school, his decades long career in the grocery business began as a meat cutter for Red Owl stores in both Rhinelander and Merrill. In 1961 he moved to Wisconsin Rapids and built his own store, Bills Shop Rite, on the west side. He developed an interest in snowmobiles and pursued racing as a hobby. He purchased a business on the river on Highway P, later known as Bills Riverside Marina where he sold snowmobiles and boats. Years later, he opened Badger Marina in Nekoosa. Bills grocery businesses included T-Mart in Wausau, and two D-Mart stores in Wisconsin Rapids. He owned and operated Safari Sports in Schofield, selling and servicing motorcycles and ATVs.
He married Carole Hoogesteger on February 22, 1974. Together they raised five children, enjoyed traveling, and enjoyed winters in their home on Pine Island in Florida. Bill spent 11 years in the Wisconsin National Guard Red Arrow Division as a tank commander. He served as an elder at Trinity Lutheran Church and was a member of Fishers of Men Lutheran Church in St. James City, FL.
He enjoyed membership in the Rudolph old tractor club, and American Legion post #485 in Rudolph.
Bill will be remembered for his creativity, as the man behind the camera, his tireless work ethic, yellow legal pad lectures, and generosity to causes he believed in. He enjoyed boating, fishing, reading, family gatherings, and the many family dogs.
Bill is survived by his wife, Carole; sons, David (Nancy) Cahak, and Dale Cahak; daughters, Jenny Cahak, Michelle (Jeff) Phillips, and Kristina Cahak; sisters, Rosalie (George) Blumenschein, and Marge Cahak Gibson; 10 grandchildren, 19 great grandchildren, and special puppy, Jimmy.
He was preceded in death by his parents, brother-in-law, Don, and granddaughter, Morgan.
The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at Riverview Hospital, the staff of Cranberry Court, and Aspirus Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Trinity Lutheran Church in Port Edwards, or Raptor Education Group Inc in Bills name.