William “Uncle Bill” B. McCollum

I am Ima Bowler. Bowled Thursday nite at Tower Lanes and after bowling I wrote a gripe of the week. My gripe was turned in with high scores to WBEV and got read on Friday morning. He was so funny reading them and many people tuned in to listen to him on "the electric radio" He loved reading them and did an awesome job! A wonderful man!

He was an awesome guy!

He was also a funny guy 🤗

Farewell, dear friend. I knew Bill from working at WBEV in the mid '70's. What fun we had with the whole crew! He was kind, smart and funny and to this day I can hear his voice in the morning saying "It's burnt toast and coffee time!" I was Hippo on the old Barn Show. 😊

Prayers are with Uncle Bill McCollum families friends co workers and more...Bill was one of kind dedicated concern looking at success of every event he promoted on the Beaver Dam Barn Show and enjoyed doing that hoping for the best results...I could call Bill if he could announce the next dance to promote at Mayville or Fond du Lac always willing instantly was done not waiting another day to do it..I was happy I had him attend as a special guest for Mayville Lions Club Dance on 9.16.22 to draw a crowd he took the invite graciously to see the Wendinger Band that was on his list to see "those guys once" he played their cds many times...He saw them once many years ago and he got another chance to see them it took some planning to make it happen but he was happy he got it accomplished...Bill is an icon how to treat and recognize people that are hardworking and being successful...He always told me keep promoting those dances you are great how you do it.... its hard work but you get success with it....Bill always knew how to keep people motivated and encourage not to give up...He had wonderful staff including the owners that appreciated his talents and ambitions to be successful to enjoy it as long as he could that is great being a hobby working of 61 years in radio is a bonus to be proud of is very fortunate he left us all without notice but we all have the fond memories and live on to hear the Beaver Dam Barn Show of years to come keeping polka music alive in his honor is commendable in Bill Mc Collum's honor who loved doing what he loved talking and promoting businesses, events and more it was his life he lived for...always remembered never will be forgotten memories never will never fade....rest in peace...David and Donna Gudex-Kamrath

Rest in peace Bill

Bill is one of the most amazing people I've ever known. I first met him when I started at WBEV in 1974. Since then, he kept in touch over the years, even attending the visitation for my dad, and just over two years ago the visitation for my mom. So many memories of fun and good things he said to me. He treasured everyone he met and knew and tried to help. He loved radio and everyone along the way. He so enjoyed spending time with us. Bill, may you be rewarded with open arms in heaven for all of your kindness here. Rest in peace my friend. You will be very well remembered and missed.

I worked with Bill back in the late 70s and early 80s at WBEV/WXRO. He was always so kind to me, newbie DJ. He lived up to his legend status and will be missed. My deepest sympathies to his family.

The Barn Show was on every night at our home growing up. I have some great memories of my mom grabbing me for a dance on my way through the kitchen. Later I got to know Bill pretty well after marrying his step daughter Lori. Bill was married to Lori’s mother Liz in 1982, and I have many fond memories of spending time at their home on Hwy W. We spent many happy holidays all gathered at their house, with Lori’s sister Missy, brother David, David’s wife Kathy and their two sons Adam and Aaron and Schnaubie - Bill and Liz’s dog . After Liz’s passing in 2009 we got to know Bill’s new wife Linda, and we had many enjoyable times together including last Christmas at our house. I always enjoyed my time with Bill, I enjoyed listening to the Barn Show and over the years I can’t even count how many different instruments Bill had me playing as he did with many other people. He will be missed a great deal by our whole family.

Our Sympathy on the loss of Bill, he was really a very nice person. My mom knew him from Meister Motors in Columbus in the 60's when he was selling advertising. My husband George knew him in the 60's ,they were members of the WI National Guard and met at the Armory building which was on the corner of Front & Madison St in Beaver Dam. Bill sold us advertising when we had our insurance agency, and he was also a client. Bill also was the D J at a couple of our family parties. Of course, we always enjoyed the radio program with John Moser.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your families he was a great person have known him many years thru voelkers steakhouse he will be sadly missed

My condolences to Lori, Missy and David Nelson who thought of Bill as their stepfather.

I am so sorry to hear about this loss. Bill and I go back to my days at Hemispheric Travel, where, in the mid through late 80s, he would come into the office and we would sit down and write our weekly advertisement together for the agency . I loved listening to fabulous duo Bill and John while I was living in Beaver Dam. I would see him periodically when I would come home to visit. A wonderful man who will be greatly missed.
Jan Bellherron (Bell)

Rest in peace my friend, and know my life has been enriched by knowing you
Norm (Gray) Klug