William "Bill" Wright, age 71, died peacefully Thursday, August 11, 2016, after a short battle with cancer. He was surrounded by family when the lord took him to join his parents, brothers, and friends who passed before him. William was born March 31, 1945, in Sparta, WI to Robert and Ruth (Cline) Wright. He graduated from Winneconne High School in 1963. Bill attended UW-Whitewater prior to enlisting in the Marine Corps, where he served our country for six years.
Bill married Judy Davis on June 25, 1966, and just recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They lived in Oshkosh, WI and moved to Winneconne, WI where they resided and raised two children, Pam (Les) Billman, Neenah, WI and Michael, Rochester, MN. He retired from Rockwell International/Arvin Meritor after 35 years.
Bill was very involved in the community and was a member of the Winneconne/Poygan Fire District for 47 years, 18 years as the Fire Chief. He was an EMT serving Winnebago County and served on the 911 Commission, Wisconsin State Fire Fighters Association, Winnebago and Wisconsin State Fire Chiefs Associations, and Winnebago Fire Investigation Unit. He taught courses at Fox Valley Technical College and the American Red Cross. He had a deep love for protecting, educating and serving the community.
He was a charter member of Lord of the Lakes Church. A member of American Legion Post 364, Winneconne Men's Club, Winneconne Sovereign State Committee, Duck's Unlimited, and Lake Poygan Sportsman's Club.
Golf developed into a game he enjoyed. Bill spent 16 years working at Lake Breeze Golf Course. He loved to travel, gamble, fish, hunt, snowmobile, and spend time with his grandchildren. Bill will be remembered for his smile and that twinkle in his eye. He had such a kind and generous heart.
He is survived by his loving wife Judy, Winneconne, WI; daughter Pam (Les) Billman, Neenah, WI; son Michael, Rochester, MN; grandson Branden Billman (fiancée Molly LeRoy), Neenah, WI; granddaughter Breleigh Billman, Neenah, WI; sister Diana (Jerry) Langenhuizen, brothers, Jerry Wright, Oshkosh, WI; Dennis Wright, Neenah, WI; sisters-in-law Carolyn Wright, Newport, NC, Linda Kelly, Green Bay, WI; along with several nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers James and Eugene; his father in-law and mother in-law Harry and Esther Davis; and a brother in-law and sister in-law James and Sandy Davis.
A visitation for family and friends will be on Friday, August 19, 2016, from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lord of the Lakes Lutheran Church, 6090 Harbour South (corner of Hwy 116 and Harbour South) Winneconne. Visitation will continue on Saturday, August 20 from 9:30 until 11:00 a.m. at the church. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, August 20 at 11:00 a.m. at the church with Pastor Kevin Heffernan officiating. Burial with military honors will be in Lake View Memorial Park, Oshkosh.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial will be established in his name.
Bill was a faithful servant who will be missed by many, rest in peace Chief Bill.
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfuneralhomeinc.com.