Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
Where Caring Is A Family Tradition
William “Bill” Oura Benedict, Sr., passed away on Friday, April 8, 2022, surrounded by family at his Winneconne home after a courageous battle with kidney disease. Bill was a decorated veteran who served during the Korean War era and in the Vietnam War, spending a combined 22 years in the military.
Bill was born on July 20, 1933, in Butte des Morts, Wisconsin, to his parents, Cyrus and Pearl (Huntington) Benedict. He graduated from Winneconne High School in 1951. At 17, Bill joined the Air Force, serving over two years. The following year, he joined the Army and served for 20 years. While stationed in Germany, he met and married Gisela Damm, with whom he had three sons. They later divorced. After leaving the military in 1973, Bill chose to settle in Winneconne. He began a second career at Oshkosh Truck Corporation, where he worked for 18 years before retiring in 1995.
While pursuing a degree at Fox Valley Technical College, he met Diane Schneider. They were married on December 5, 1987, welcomed a daughter, and shared over 34 years together.
In 2001, Bill was elected to the Winneconne Town Board (Supervisor, Road Commissioner, and Noxious Weed Commissioner), on which he served until 2019.
When he wasn’t working, Bill had a passion for riding motorcycles (and later trikes), watching westerns, volunteering, feeding and watching birds, putting together puzzles, and rooting for the Green Bay Packers, Dallas Cowboys, and Milwaukee Brewers. Bill was an active member of the Oshkosh Vietnam Veterans of America (Chapter 437), American Legion Post 234 in Omro, VFW, Knights of Columbus, and St. Mary Church.
Bill is survived by his wife, Diane; children, Bill Jr., Tom (Doreen), Jim, and Megan (fiancé Aaron Brown); grandson, Jeff (Jenny) Herbst; great-grandchildren, Hannah, Andrew, Gracie, Isabella, and Jeffrey; brother, Dan; sister, Marion Braasch; Schneider in-laws, John (Diane), Sue, Joe, Steve (Nance), Ron (Sue), Luke (Vicki), Paul, Tom (friend Sharon Halbach), Bob, and Mary; along with many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents; parents-in-law, Luke and Nellie (Nisler) Schneider; brothers, Delos (Arlene) and Bob (Gloria); in-laws, Roger Braasch and Arlene Benedict; and grandson, Nathaniel Herbst.
The family would like to give special thanks to all the ThedaCare at Home Hospice staff who cared for Bill in recent months, especially Jolene and Kelly.
In lieu of flowers, the family is establishing a memorial in Bill’s name to be donated to the Old Glory Honor Flight.
Friends and family are invited to attend the visitation on Monday, April 18, 2022, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at St. Mary Catholic Church 210 Pleasant Drive in Winneconne, with the funeral Mass to follow. A virtual option will be available at stmarychurches.org. A private interment with military honors will be held on a later date at Lake View Memorial Park, Oshkosh. Bill had a colorful personality and fought until the end, so funeral attendees are encouraged to wear bright colors to celebrate his life. (Packers or Brewers attire is welcome.) Mueller Funeral Home-Winneconne is assisting the family.
If you wish please submit online condolences to muellerfh.net.
Andrew Herbst wrote on April 18, 2022
Thank you for all of the memories. We will always remember you. Love you
Ian livingstone wrote on April 18, 2022
Sincere condolences
Doreen Benedict wrote on April 16, 2022
I want to share my true feelings of my father in-law not just a father in-law but my DAD he is amazing man who cared so deeply for his family when I Married his son Tom he took me into his family and treat my sons and I as apart of the family the love he shard and and the Comfort to my Family! He is a great grandfather. And alway kept up on each one of them. He lived a good life and we loved listening to the stories you were telling us about the past. He alway had that jokester side to bring laughter to all. He was always very social and alway talking to many even if he didn’t know them he could make friendships with many. Now Dad can share all his stories with all his family and friends in heaven. So on Monday please do not bring sadness and tear to Dads celebration of life. Bring your stories share them with the family and his friends. Share the joyful journey he will have heaven. Bring joy, bring love, Bring laughter Bring Stories so we can tell the grandchildren Bill’s wonderful life journey. If you could please write down a story about this wonderful man. Rest in peace dad until we meet again watch over your family I love you!
Sandra Rodgers wrote on April 15, 2022
We all will miss you Uncle Bill, DeLos & Arlene's family bunch, that is. We didn't get to really know you and your family directly but our father, DeLos your brother, always spoke highly of you Uncle Bill. So we're all very thankful that you brothers and your families did have more time together in the latter years.
Diane and Megan our thoughts and prayers go out to you, and may God be with you in comfort.
Uncle Bill see you on the other side some day, I'm sure of it!. Your Niece: Sandra Rodgers
Janet Eiler wrote on April 15, 2022
Losing you was a shock! I will always cherish the times we spent together whether it be the street dances between Paul's Supermarket & Alyce's Talk of the Town, the Wolf Runner's Snowmobile Club winter bash, Carp Fest, Fireman's Dance, family reunions, bon fires, visiting at your rummage sales, visits when Delos came to town, or just running into you anywhere! You were a trooper answering all my genealogy related questions when I picked your brain for some Benedict history for our book! I will always be your little fart and you will always be my Billiam. My heart goes out to Bill Jr, Tom, Jim, Megan and Diane for losing a very special part of their lives. Wrap yourself in Jesus' arms and find comfort without the pain. Some day we will meet again!! Love you Billiam!
Bill Beck wrote on April 13, 2022
My deepest sympathy to your family Bill was always fun to go on rides with an being around . He will be surely missed sincerely Bill Beck
Barb Rumlow and Mel Koneman wrote on April 12, 2022
So sorry to here Bill passed away he was a great guy your family lost a one of a kind person
Paul Baker wrote on April 12, 2022
Diane & Family, I am so sorry to learn of Bill's passing. I always enjoyed visiting with him. He was so proud of his family, despite his brusque exterior. He gave me some good laughs. Rest in peace, Bill.
Jacob Lee wrote on April 12, 2022
An unforgettable neighbor and friend. Ride on to the highway in the sky
Mary Harper wrote on April 11, 2022
Diane and family I was so sorry to hear Bill is no longer with us. I am sure he has God laughing! He always made me laugh. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Mary
Tracy Ziebell wrote on April 11, 2022
What a wonderful man Bill was. Getting to know him through the VVA and parades with my dad was an honor.
My sympathies to his family.
Mark wrote on April 11, 2022
Thank you for your bravery courage in Vietnam
Rip
Vicki Sprenger wrote on April 11, 2022
Diane, Megan and family,
I am so sorry to hear about your husband/dad, Bill. May he Rest In Peace!
I am keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers.
Gob bless you and keep you comforted in this time of loss.
Michael Falk wrote on April 11, 2022
Diane, my condolences to you and your family. Bill was a great guy. Prayers and may the Lord be with you during this difficult time.
Pete and Jody Running wrote on April 11, 2022
Jody and I send our deepest condolences to the entire Benedict family. Bill was a special man, always ready with a quick, witty comment. He has definitely left a mark on the community in all he has accomplished. Rest easy, my brother in arms. Until Valhallah.
Linda Dittburner wrote on April 11, 2022
So sorry Diane and Megan for your loss. I pray that God gives you strength, peace, and His Grace as you continue your days without him. We know his is now free of pain as he enters God's Holy Kingdom! I sure enjoyed my time with Bill. I always give him a hard time and he would give it back!!
Linda Dittburner
Becky Fuhs wrote on April 11, 2022
I will miss you, Bill. You have always had a special place in my heart. Thank you for sharing your wisdom, experiences and positive direction with me.