Casimir "Chick" Wilk

Nov. 24, 1921 - Dec. 13, 2012
SOUTH BEND - Casimir "Chick" Wilk was born to the late Frank and Sophia Wilk on Thanksgiving Day, 1921, the 10th child of 12. He was preceded in death by brothers, Florian, Stanley, Frank, Benny, Henry and Joseph Julius; and sisters, Cecilia and Bertha. Chick is survived by his sister, Virginia Mouros; brother, Thaddeus Wilk; and several loving nieces and nephews.

When the draft happened, Henry was 1st in South Bend - 4th Armored, Floyd 2nd - Artillery, Joe 3rd - Air Force, Chick 4th - 82nd Armored Division, Ben 5th - Infantry, Ted 6th - Medic on ship.

Chick's father was a concert violinist, Benny a whiz on piano and accordion. Chick played guitar at weddings in the mid 30s with brother Joe on guitar, Louis Hosoar violin, and Frank Sauer on mandolin. Chick played every theater in South Bend, the Auto Show at the former Bowl Mor in 1933 where they took 2nd prize as the String Ramblers, and in 1934 at the 2nd Bowl Mor auto show they took 2nd prize again. Then it was Joe and Chick as the Wilky Ways, two guitars and vocals.

Chick graduated from Riley High School in 1941 and was employed by the Studebaker Automotive Department. Chick joined his eight brothers who were also employed by Studebaker. His sisters, Cecilia and Virginia, also worked at Studebaker during WW II. Chick's father worked on wagon wheels making an even dozen that walked through the gates of Studebaker. Chick was honorably discharged from the Army, serving 2 years, 9 months, 28 days! He played in the infantry and artillery orchestras at Camp Breckenridge, KY. Chick played guitar, his late friend Bill Lengel played accordion and Sandy McPherson served as M.C.

After discharge in August 1945 he auditioned for the the Jimmy Dorsey Band. Chick then got a call and joined the Henry Busse Band where he stayed a week - then quit to come back to South Bend, never to go on the road again. Chick joined the Musicians Union in 1947. He sang at the Avalon Ballroom in Michigan with the Marty Ross Orchestra. He played Big Band music at the Palais Royale, Paw Paw Ballroom in Michigan and several other venues. In the 50s Chick tried selling jingles in a 5-way vocal group with combo back up with no success. Starting from 1950 on through 1997 he worked with the Marty Ross Trio. He also played with the Eddie Jarrett Combo as a strolling strings act. Eddie passed in 1997. Chick sang on the Frank Dreighton Show on WNDU from September of 1959 to 1960. The show ended, so in his lifetime he was on stage, radio and television. He also played at Club Lido, in the 50s 4 Fathoms in Elkhart, 3 Star Lounge in LaPorte, Oliver Hotel Mezzanine, LaSalle Hotel, Hoffman Hotel, Summit Club, Morris Park, South Bend Country Club, Point O Woods Country Club at St Joe, MI, and many more. Chick was privileged to play and sing with the best musicians in the South Bend area. End of Story.

Welsheimer Family Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements. Cremation will take place with burial to follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park, Granger, IN. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association. Family and friends may leave e-mail condolences at www.welsheimer.com.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Dec. 16, 2012.

08/24/2023 EJS

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