William “Bill” J. Wacek

Obituaries

Reports of Area Deaths

acek 1947-2021

A gentle, kind friend to all who lived a life of service to others, William “Bill” J. Wacek, 73, passed away on Sunday, Mar. 21 at his Medford residence after a brief battle with cancer. Service information can be found at Bill’s online obituary at Hemer Funeral Service, www. hemerfuneralservice.com. Bill was born on May 28, 1947, in Medford to William and Verna (Smedegard) Wacek. He was a graduate of Westboro High School. Upon graduation, Bill enlisted in the Navy and briefly served on the USS Arcadia before being honorably discharged.

After working at American Motors in Milwaukee, he returned home to Taylor County where he devoted his time to serving customers at Northern Auto, later Carquest, where he worked as a delivery driver, salesman and manager before his retirement. During this time, he also briefly drove school bus for the Rib Lake School District. Upon his parents’ deaths, he continued working the family farm in Westboro. Bill enjoyed farming and tractors, working with his hands, successfully fixing anything mechanical, watching Lawrence Welk on Saturdays and his daily phone calls with his sister.

He was united in marriage to Mary Schumacher on May 26, 1979. She survives him.

He is fondly remembered by his son, Mark (Beth) of Menomonie; and his two grandchildren, Zach and Miriam, who enjoyed their visits with him. He will always be known as the world’s best brother by his sister, Jane (Howard) Rokus of Saukville, and a beloved uncle by his niece, Laurie (Doug) Arendt of Grafton. He is also survived by cousins; and numerous friends, including his Westboro friends/neighbors.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; many aunts and uncles; and a stillborn son, Thomas.

His extended family thanks Jeremy Voda, who was an immeasurable help to Bill, along with the staff of Hope Hospice, in his final days.

Bill will be remembered for his deep, quiet, Lutheran faith, his love of tractors and his dislike of Chinese food. Please join his son, sister and niece in celebrating the things that made him the most happy by considering a memorial to North Central WI Antique Steam & Gas Engine Club, Inc., PO Box 272, Edgar, WI 54426.

Paid Obituary 103100