Antoniak, William "Bill"
1951 - 2021
A funeral Mass celebrating the life of William James Antoniak, 70, of Columbus, will be held on Saturday, May 22, at 10am at Saint Mary's Catholic Church in German Village, with Father Vincent Nguyen, as celebrant. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens. William was the son of the late Louise and James Mac Antoniak. William "Bill" was a devoted husband to Laura, loving father to Bill and Abby, and proud grandfather to Troy, Noah, Talyn and Bobby. Bill was beloved here and abroad for his many musical gifts, his quick wit, unfailing optimism and good humor. His choir members, band members and friends have many fond memories of Bill playing accordion, organ and singing; and of course, he loved riding around "topless" in his restored little red Miata. His sense of humor brightened even the darkest of times and his joy in being alive was an inspiration to everyone around him. He was a member of The U.S. Army Band in Berlin and played at the Church of the Twelve Apostles while stationed there. He also was leader of "Bill Antoniak and the Polka Heroes," Director of Music and Organist at St. Michael's, Holy Family, St. Mary's of German Village, Corpus Christi and Saint Ladislas Catholic Churches. He also served as music Director and Organist at St. Mary's of the Assumption, Urbana. He directed the Männerchor and Damenchor of the Germania Gesang und Sportverein and was director and founding member of the Mendelssohn Liedertafel. He is survived by his loving family; wife, Laura; son, William (Ina); and his daughter, Abby; his brothers, Ted, Mark (Kathy), Jim, and Tim; and his sisters, Diane Lower and Cathy (Bob) Lembke; the aforementioned grandchildren and many nephews and nieces. Visitation will be held on Friday, May 21 from 6-8pm at St. Mary's Church located at 684 S. Third Street, Columbus. The Mass will be held on Saturday, May 22 at 10am at St. Mary's Catholic Church. There will be a Celebration of Life reception held at the Germania Singing & Sport Society, 543 S. Front St., Columbus at 3-5pm on Sunday, May 23. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 22478, Oklahoma City, OK 73123. The Hoskinson Funeral Home, Kirkersville is honored to care for the Antoniak family; where an online guest book and video are available for viewing at www.hoskinsonfuneral.com