William (Bill) Peter Kauer

William (Bill) Peter Kauer, 91, passed away peacefully at his residence on Monday, Aug. 22, 2022, with his significant other, Diane Ronek, by his side. A private memorial service will be held at a future date. Bill was born Oct. 27, 1930, in Rib Lake to Joseph and Mary (Schneider) Kauer. He was the oldest of five children and grew up on a dairy farm. He attended a one-room school in Mud Lake and graduated from Rib Lake High School. He spent the following year at home helping cut trees, saw lumber and build a new barn on the farm. He enlisted in the Navy in 1949 fulfilling many different duties on ships, sailing to many ports around the Persian Gulf and Mediterranean totaling 25,000 miles during his 3-1/2 years. He later joined the Seabees for 3 years.

He married Jane Mahner on Sept. 12, 1951, and had six children and divorced after 17 years. He married Peg Brosseau of Florida Jan. 1, 1980, and divorced after

1930-2022

13 years. Diane Ronek has been his partner for the last 23 years.

He owned Mr Bill’s tavern on Hwy 13 north of Stetsonville in the late 80’s/early 90’s. Throughout his life, Bill worked a variety of jobs, but always returned to truck driving. He could tell you names and details of many highways all across the country. He loved to strike up conversations with just about anyone he met and had lots of entertaining stories to tell. He drove a semi until age 85 and maintained an excellent driving record.

He is survived by his children, Debra Kauer of Larned, Kan., Stephen (Amy) Kauer of Loyal, Terry Kauer of Stone Lake, Todd (Lynda) Kauer of Marshfield, and daughter Lisa (Michael) Dragan of Denver, Colo.; sisters, Doris Smith of Marshfield, Janet (James) Patrick of Pittsville, Nita Sotak of Glen Flora; and brother, Ivan (Sandra) Kauer of Rib Lake. He is further survived by 16 grandchildren, 19 greatgrandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.

Bill is predeceased by his parents, a son David, granddaughter Jennifer, and brothers-in-law Rod Smith and Gary Sotak.

Condolences may be sent online at www.ritchayfuneralhome. com

Paid Obituary 125741