Bill was born on September 3, 1933, to William and Margaret (Dunn) Wilson Sr. in Guilford, Maine. Bill spent his childhood in Bangor, Maine. His favorite number was 13, married for 13 years and died on the 13th. Three’s also played a role with his birth date and the month he died.
Bill proudly enlisted and served his country in the US Army during the Korean War 1953-1956. He was stationed in Japan. Bill was proud of being part of The Far East Honor Guard. The family tradition of service extends to his son and grandson in the Navy. Both served in the nuclear sub program. Bill received his Honor Flight to Washington D. C. on November 7, 2015, accompanied by his son, (Gary) William G Wilson III.
Bill drove semi for many years for many years, like his father, on the east coast. Bill’s other occupations included security guard and maintenance in New Jersey. When residing in Wisconsin, Bill was manager of Blackhawk Manor Senior Living in Whitewater, WI.
Bill was his own man with a stubborn, eastern streak. But he also had a heart of gold. His smile was contagious and would light up the room. Everyone loved his personality. He will be sorely missed by all.
Survivors include his loving wife of 13 years, Donna of Jefferson. Son, (Gary) William G Wilson III (Chris), Daughters, Jill Fischer (Shawn) and Amanda Ware (Bob) of Fort Atkinson. Grandsons, William G Wilson IV (Kendra) Fort Atkinson and Joshua Wilson of San Diego, CA. Bill has four great-grandchildren of Fort Atkinson. He is further survived by his beloved cats, Whispy and Patch. He was preceded in death by his wife, Patricia, and daughter, Terri; Sisters: Arlene of Bangor, Maine and Dorothy of New Jersey; brother, Roscoe of Bangor, Maine; his beloved dog, King and his cat, Joker. Bill was the last member of his immediate family.
Bill loved animals. When adopting, Whisper came into our lives. She was his baby. Patch showed up shortly after as a stray. He walked in the door and never left. Bill enjoyed the visits from the Lakeland Animal Shelter in Elkhorn every month. It would bring a big smile to his face to play with the puppies. He also enjoyed the Music Men, the singing preacher and the UW-Whitewater student visits. Bill also loved birds. His favorite was the eagle, but he had forty finches outside his window at Ridgestone. After making arrangements for his funeral, an eagle flew over my car on the way home. It was Bill telling me that everything will be ok. As I had told him on his deathbed, “I will be ok, you can leave with Jesus.”
Bill enjoyed collecting many things. He had belt buckles, pocket knives, especially lighthouses, Maine memorabilia, baseball cards, coins and $2 dollar bills. Other interests included puzzles, little kids, Frosty Freeze in Fort Atkinson, building car models, car and motorcycle magazines, John Wayne movies and western TV shows like “Gunsmoke.” He loved working with tools and could fix anything. He loved old cars and could identify a car’s model and year by a single glance. I was always amazed at that. He liked old country western and trucker songs. He loved growing tomatoes and peppers. He loved motorcycles and enjoyed riding his Kawasaki with his son.
Bill was fanatic of The New England Patriots. He loved watching football and watching WWE on TV two times a week. He thoroughly enjoyed when we attended a live show of Monday Night Raw in Milwaukee. One of his favorites was the viper, Randy Orton.
As everyone knew, cabins and camping was a favorite pastime and passion. Bill could cook anything over an open campfire with a cast iron skillet. Some of the items were eggs, pancakes, and sausage. We also enjoyed making pudgy pies and smores. Hot rocks from the fire kept us toasty warm in the sleeping bags. Bill was an excellent horseshoe thrower. He won many championships. He also bowled candle pins in Maine with his sister Arlene. He was very proud of her, winning the state championship three times. She bowled right up to her death for fifty years.
Bill was truly loved by the Ridgestone family. He was a one-of-kind guy. He had many friends, families of residents and staff that loved him so. He called the director, Emily, “The Boss.” He was paid weekly to manage the building. He was the “official” supervisor of Ridgestone. Blessings to each and every one of them at Ridgestone for their thoughtfulness and love. We are especially grateful for the compassionate care of Kayla, Shannon, and Terri. Donna was selfless in caring for Bill until the end. The love they shared will be forever and ever till they meet again.
I would like to thank Dr. Shauna Meyer for her compassionate care of Bill over the years. The Ridgestone family for the last three years of his life, the Lakeland Hospital Emergency Dept. staff, Aurora physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. The ladies were wonderful to him. I would also like to thank the UW Heart Clinic and Rainbow Hospice for their care.
A private memorial service will be held in Fort Atkinson with military honors. A gathering will follow in Whitewater. Bill would be happy if you didn’t dress up. He would prefer “Up Nort” or Maine attire to be comfortable like he was.
Memorials may be made to the Jefferson County Humane Society/Lakeland Animal Shelter or the Alzheimer’s Association in Wisconsin.
Bill’s biggest joys in life were the love for his wife Donna, wearing motorcycle/cowboy boots where ever he went and most of all, “A Good Cup of Coffee.”
My course is run. Praise God my course is run,
My Jesus welcomes me.
Farewell my friends, my work on earth is done,
The heav’nly goal I see.
My dear Redeemer’s praises voicing, I leave this world with great rejoicing.
My course is run. My course is run.
My Jesus welcomes me. Fare-well, my friends, my work on earth is done,
The heav’nly goal I see. Freed from all trouble and repining,
I see the open heaven shining. My course is run. My course is run. Amen.
The Nitardy Funeral Home, Fort Atkinson, WI is assisting the family, www.nitardyfuneralhome.com
He was born to Emogene and Cecil Lombard on April 15th, 1951 during a flood in Prarie Du Chein. He was raised in Greenwood and after graduating from high school attended university at Eau Claire and Madison. He was a professor in the Special Education departments at the universities of Eau Claire and Whitewater. After retiring from teaching, he enjoyed living in Key Largo, Florida and spending time at his cabin in northern Wisconsin.
She was born on May 1, 1927, in Whitewater, Wisconsin. She was the daughter of Edward and Evelyn Strunk. Virginia married Glen Pitt on August 21, 1947, in Whitewater.