William Bush Fardy of Mequon, Wisconsin went to heaven on Sunday, May 21, 2023, at the age of 90. Bill died peacefully at home in the loving presence of his family. He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 60 years, Mary Lou. He is survived by his children: Kari Dunham (Jeff), Jill Stock (Alex), Dan Fardy (Jeanine), and Mike Fardy (Rachael). Proud Papa of MacKenzie, William, Michael, Ava, Erin, Reilly, Gunnar, and Gretchen. Great Papa of Shea and Finn. Bill is further survived by his sister Pat Roberts, cherished nieces and nephews, and other relatives and friends. Bill was also preceded in death by his parents Mike and Helen, his sisters Jeanne Trewyn and Nancy Fardy.
Bill was born on February 13, 1933 in Coffeyville, Kansas. He was the second of four children. The Fardy family moved to Whitewater, Wisconsin in 1945. Bill was an Altar Boy at St. Patrick Catholic Church, and excelled in sports, particularly baseball and football. After graduating from high school, Bill attended Whitewater Teacher’s College- now University of Wisconsin Whitewater. He then took a break from college to play professional baseball for the White Sox “Farm Team.” After an injury that hindered his baseball career, Bill was drafted in the Army. Bill completed his term in the Army, and then returned to college at Whitewater, where he met the love of his life, Mary Lou. Bill played football and baseball in college, and later got inducted into the Athletic Hall of Fame. Bill graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and soon got married to Mary Lou (August 1958). Bill and Mary Lou started their teaching careers and family soon after getting married. Mary Lou taught elementary school in Zion, IL and Bill taught high school close by (in Waukegan, IL). Teaching opportunities moved them to Whitewater (WI), Wrightstown (WI) and Horicon (WI) where Bill continued teaching, and Mary Lou cared for their kids Kari, Jill, and Dan which were born during this time. In 1964, Bill became an FBI Agent, which resulted in a move to Houston, TX (1964) then Los Angeles, CA (1965) where they had their 4th child, Mike. During Bill’s time with the FBI, he graduated with his Master’s Degree in Criminology. Bill was involved in many high-profile FBI cases, and was selected to the FBI Swat Team, to include active SWAT team duty for the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, New York. Bill was active in the kids’ many sports and activities, including coaching and umpiring baseball. The Fardys spent 14 years living in Southern California before moving back to Mequon, WI in 1978. After Bill retired from the FBI, he became the Director of Security for First Financial Bank. Bill was all about family. He enjoyed golfing, Brewer games and tailgating, entertaining with family and friends. And of course, he was a devoted Packer fan. They could pull off so many fabulous family traditions: camping & beach trips with other FBI families, holidays, Thanksgiving in Big Bear, attending the kids’ and grandkids’ events. Most of all he just loved being with his family and friends, always taking care of others.
Bill’s retirement years included travel, annual trips to Gulf Shores, a passion for golf with Mary Lou and his many friends. Bill and Mary Lou attended the kids’ schools and sporting events, and regularly attended Sunday Mass. Mostly, he was happiest surrounded by family.
Visitation Tuesday, May 30 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. with a Memorial Mass to follow at 11:30 a.m. at Lumen Christi Catholic Church, 2750 W. Mequon Rd., Mequon. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Milwaukee Fallen Heroes in Bill’s name appreciated.
The Fardy family wishes to express their deep appreciation to Jean (a devoted caregiver and friend), Newcastle Place, Holding Hands, and Heartland/ProMedica Hospice for their dedication and compassionate care.
