William Kalin Obituary

William "Bill" Andy Kalin, a longtime educational representative passed away at the age of 83 on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, with his loving family at his side.
He was born on February 13, 1942, in Superior, WI. He is the son of Nels and Iris Kalin. Bill graduated in 1960 from South Shore High School in Port Wing, WI. He later attended the University of Wisconsin-Superior where he earned a bachelor's degree in math and physics and a master's degree in physics.
Following graduation, he taught Physics at Central High School for one year and moved up to the new Superior Senior High School for 4 ½ years before accepting a position as Director of Organizing for the American Federation of Teachers in WI. As AFT membership increased in the state of Wisconsin, Bill accepted the position of executive director of the organization. He later transitioned to the role of a staff representative for the AFT, where he fought for the union rights of his members in northern WI and across the state for over 40 years.
Bill was an avid hunter and fisherman with exploits covering many states and provinces in North America. Whether he was enjoying his time at his cabin, or gardening and taking care of his yard with his wife, he loved being outdoors with his friends and family.
He is preceded in death by his parents, Nels and Iris Kalin; sister, Delores White (Kalin); niece, Jodi White; brother-in-law, Gene White; uncle, Roy Kalin; and dear friends and colleagues of the School District of Superior, Dale Shaapveld, Kathy Monaghan, and Richard Riedasch.
He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years and dearest friend, Rene; his children, Paul (Yvonne) of Maple, WI, Wendy Johnson (Kalin) of Superior, Colorado, and Jason (Christa) of Superior; his grandchildren, Emily, Anna, Olivia, Jules, Vivian, Carter, Ian, Presley, and Greta, and a great-grandchild on the way; and his dear friends, Steve and Lorene Kowalsky.
Bill wanted to thank the volunteer first responders of Oakland Township and the nursing staff and doctors of the ICU and Cardiac Care units at St. Luke's Aspirus Hospital for their exemplary care and compassion during his greatest time of need.
A celebration of Bill's life will be held on Sunday, August 10th from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Downs Life Celebration Center 1902 N 34th St., Superior.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bill's name to the Superior Scholarship Foundation to be given to a student who is furthering their education towards a profession in human services. Donations can also be sent to the Pulmonary Fibrosis Foundation to fund research and improve treatments for PF patients.
Bill will be remembered for his quick wit, loving sarcasm, soft heart, his passion for the outdoors, and his loyalty and dedication to the education profession, but most importantly, as a loving husband, father and grandfather. He will be dearly missed but he has filled our lives with memories that will be cherished forever.
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