Walter Cacic

Walter 'Wally' M. Cacic, age 84, of Montello passed away early Friday morning, June 18, 2010 at his home. Wally was born in Lyons, IL on October 11, 1925, the son of Michael and JoAnna (Cebry) Cacic. He had five brothers and one sister. Wally married Marlene Borkowski at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Montello. Wally graduated from J.S. Morton High School in Cicero, IL in 1943 after which he enlisted in the United Stated Navy. He attended the Navy Signal School in San Diego, CA after which he was assigned to LCM (M) 660 Landing Craft stationed in the Pacific during World War II. He participated in the invasions of Leyte, Luzon, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. The Landing Craft would go into beaches providing mortar and 20mm gunfire prior to the troops landing. His LCI was responsible for the demise of two aircraft and one small boat. The thrill of seeing the United States Flag flying over Mount Surabachi on Iwo Jima was the highlight of his military career. The ship was in training for the invasion of Japan off the coast of Maui when World War II ended. Wally earned the following awards, citations, and campaign ribbons: American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal (with 4 stars), World War II Victory Medal and Philippine Liberation Medal (with 2 battle stars). He returned from Pearl Harbor for a well deserved 30 day leave after being at sea for two years. He enjoyed a very happy homecoming with his parents, brothers, sister, relatives and friends. He then returned to San Francisco to serve for three months on an APA Transport going through the Panama Canal and then mothballed in the James River in Norfolk, VA. He was discharged in April of 1946 as a Quartermaster 3/C. He then moved back to Montello to join his family on the farm, which is still in the family. Wally earned a Bachelor of Education Degree from the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point and Master of Arts in Elementary Administration and Supervision from Winona State College, Winona, MN. He also earned 21 graduate credits from the University of Wisconsin-Madison and University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee in Education and Supervision. He spent 27 i�½ years as an Educator at the following locations: 1 i�½ years teaching in the two room rural school in Bassett, WI, 2 years Teacher/Principal at North Prairie, WI, 4 years as the Elementary Principal at Fairview School in Brookfield, WI, 2 years as Teacher/Principal in Windsor, WI, 6 years as Elementary Principal at Melrose/Mindoro, WI, 3 years as Elementary Supervisor at CESA 12 in Portage, Montello, Westfield, and Wonewoc, also 3 years as Administrative Assistant in Princeton and finally 6 years as Elementary Supervisor at the Adams-Friendship Elementary Schools. Wally retired from Education in 1979. In his retirement, he and Marlene owned and operated a tavern in Montello for a year and then retired to the family farm in 1980. Over the years, Wally spent many hours dedicated to serving the public. He served on the following boards/committees: St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Parish Council, 2 years as American Legion Post 351 Commander (substitute for one year), 3 times elected to the Montello City Council, 13 years on the Montello School Board (4 as President), 6 years as Marquette County Supervisor, 6 years on County Zoning Board, 12 years on Commission on Aging Committee, 12 years on the East Central Regional Planning Commission (12 East Central Economic Development Committee) attending Midwest Conferences in Chicago, 4 years on Green Bay Area Aging Commission representing Marquette County, attending two national Conferences (Norfolk and Tulsa), 1 year as the Packwaukee Township Supervisor, 12 years as Packwaukee Township Chairman, 5 years as the Chairman of Packwaukee Township Land Use Commission, and was a member of American Legion Post 351 for over 43 years. Wally was also a member of the St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Holy Name Society for eleven years and served as secretary. Wally was an avid hardball player until age 35 and played softball until age 45. Wally enjoyed golfing over the past 30 years, being a member of Thal Acres Country Club in Westfield for 25 years, earning multiple awards. He shared his love for golf with his son Randy and grandson Brian and will miss doing so. In his retirement he enjoyed reading several hundred western novels, following sporting events, and spending time with his family. Before his passing, Wally has stated that he has been very grateful and humble to be able to be an educator and to serve in many public capacities as a public servant doing his best to share his knowledge and experiences with others. Wally always had a special love for his second family next door (The Cacic's) Kathy, Donna, Linda, Carol, and Mike for their love and respect through the years. Wally leaves behind: his wife, Marlene, one son, Randy of Portage, and grandson, Brian. He is also survived by two brothers: Nick (Lorraine) of Montello and Steven of Westmont, IL. Wally is further survived by many nieces, nephews, relatives and many friends whom he loved and will miss. Wally is preceded in death by, his parents, siblings: Joseph (Stephanie), Irene (Larry) Concialdi, Donald (Rita) and Vincent as well as daughter-in-law Karen. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday June 26, 2010 at St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Montello. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Crawford Funeral Home and again on Saturday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the hour of service. A rosary service will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday evening at the funeral home. Father Michael Richel will officiate and burial will follow at St. John's Catholic Cemetery in Montello. In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established by the family.

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Previous Events

Burial
Friday, June 18, 2010
Visitation
Friday, June 25, 2010
Rosary Service
Friday, June 25, 2010
Mass of Christian Burial
Saturday, June 26, 2010
Visitation
Saturday, June 26, 2010