William J. Sliepka , 79, of Schererville, IN, died on February 4, 2024 in his sleep. While he was in his third cancer battle, it does not appear to be the main factor in his passing. He had just fought too hard for too long, doing every possible treatment to the maximum.

He was born on the southwest side of Chicago, only a mile or so from Chicago Stadium, in 1944 to Rudolph and Frances Sliepka. Bill survived being struck by a firetruck at the age of 13, that was enroute to a fire at his grade school. That multiple day coma was the first of many fights he would win. After moving to Harvey, he and his older brother Rudy attended Thornton Township High School where he met Joanne Licina. In high school he worked at Steinberg-Baum with his future brother-in-law Joe. Bill & Joan married in 1964. The first of three children was born in 1965. He began his career as a manual laborer at Whiting Corporation in Harvey. He mastered his trade and was recruited to be
a shift manager position at Kay Manufacturing in Lansing. Bill never saw 8 hours as a full day’s work. 10-12 was his standard. Self-taught and without a degree, he rose through the ranks to be one of the top engineers at the company. Often traveling to steel mills and GM headquarters in Detroit. If you had a GM car in the 80’s through 90’s, a good chance one of his parts was in it. And those designs had specifications within 1/16,000 of an inch. He retired from Kay 15 years ago.

Their kids, David, Jeff, and Jennifer were not victims of his long hours. When the boys joined Scouts, Bill volunteered, eventually becoming a Den leader, then a Pack leader. He was always on those camping and hiking trips. When they joined Harvey Little League, he volunteered as an umpire. As was his pattern, he rose through the ranks to become head of Harvey umpires, then local, then regional director of umpires. He eventually qualified to umpire games just short of The Little League World Series, an event he attended twice in Williamsport, PA. He continued to umpire for years, some at the high school level, even after the boys aged out.
During all of that, he was a consistent volunteer at the family church, St. Nicholas Orthodox of Harvey and then Country Club Hills. He was often a bar tender during hall rentals, setting up the facility for large events. Quickly he became a board member. He was also a cook and organizer of the annual Spaghetti dinner fund raiser. And, was the church bookkeeper for over 35 years. Even in retirement, he was a member of his neighborhood homeowner’s association in Schererville.

Does a man like that have hobbies? He did. Mostly before and after his kid’s formative years, bowling was his love. He won trophies and awards in his 20’s and in his 60’s, including two 300 perfect games. Early in his marriage, he was passionate about his H-O trains. That highly detailed setup was often atop his pool table, or Ping-Pong table in the basement. That transitioned into his collection of Angel Fish, topping out at six, 55-gallon tanks. Even to the point of breeding them for sale to the local pet shops. He and Joan enjoyed hosting family events especially New Years Eve. A full bar and bartending was another side passion. AND while all of that was happening, ask any neighbor of any home he lived in, who had the best lawn in the neighborhood. Zero debate, it was Bill’s. It was manicured high and tight, and groomed with military precision.

Bill was preceded in death by wife Joan in 2018 and his half-sisters Joy Carlson and Alice Cancellaro. He is survived by his brother Rudy (wife Linda), children: David (fiancé Karla), Jeff (wife Terri), and Jennifer (husband Dennis Ley). And his most adored grandchildren, Payton (husband Mason), Zach, Katelyn, Kristyn, Daniela, and Alison.

Visitation will be on Tuesday, February 13, 2024 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. with a service at 7:00p.m at KISH FUNERAL HOME 10000 Calumet Ave, Munster, IN. Interment will be on Wednesday, February 14, 2024 at 11:00a.m. at Assumption Catholic Cemetery 19500 S Cottage Grove Ave, Glenwood, IL.

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