William J.
Metzen
William J. Metzen
Born: June 11, 1942
Died: August 24, 2022
- Visitation: Thursday, September 29, 2022 – Heritage Funeral Homes (6615 W. Oklahoma Ave.) 4pm-6pm.
- Remembrance Service: Thursday, September 29, 2022 – Heritage Funeral Homes (6615 W. Oklahoma Ave.) 6pm
Bill was born and raised in Milwaukee. He attended Boys Technical High School and specialized in aeronautical engine repair. In May 1965 he became a Milwaukee Police officer. After a few years he became a member of the Bureau of Identification. While there he worked on many interesting cases.
At one point, Bill was assigned to collect evidence from a burglary at Pinkeys Capital Auto Body, where he met Pinkey and Rick Feest. Through that encounter our families became lifelong friends and we have shared many happy times celebrating together. They have been an invaluable part of our lives and they are family.
Bill retired from the Milwaukee police department in 1997 and eventually became a Court Security Officer at the Federal Courthouse. He was responsible for the security of Federal Judges and screening people coming into the building. Many of the people he worked with were also retired Milwaukee Police Officers, and he enjoyed working with them again. He retired from that position in 2015.
In 1962, Bill married his loving wife Guyon. We were blessed with two wonderful sons, Bill and Brett. Family was everything to Bill, he enjoyed passing on skills to his sons and working with them on projects that they would use in their adult life. Education was important to our family and our sons attended Milwaukee Montessori School where they received valuable life learning skills besides an excellent education. Our family enjoyed many wonderful trips, traveling to Florida, Branson and several trips to Mexico. After the boys were living away from home Bill and Guyon enjoyed traveling and spent many vacations in various places in Mexico, Florida and St Maarten.
Once he became a grandpa, that was it. The grandchildren were the loves of his life. Maggie, Liam and Clover brought so much joy to him. We spent many days at the Zoo with each of them. So many adventures… Old World Wisconsin, the Audubon Center, the museum, and a favorite was Discovery World. He loved making pancakes with the kids. Creating zany shapes was the ultimate. Attending school functions, at Milwaukee Montessori school, where all of the grand children attended, was always a joyous occasion.
Unfortunately, in October 2020, Bill was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. Chemotherapy went well, but as a result of the Immunotherapy portion, he developed an auto immune disease which attacked his nervous system. He fought a valiant battle for many months and for the most part had a good quality of life. Of course, Covid made everything more difficult and he was not able to get out as much as he would have liked. Many of his friends from the police department days and federal court house kept in touch with him by phone and he really appreciated that and enjoyed talking with them.
On August 24, 2022 with his wife and sons beside him, he passed peacefully into God‘s loving arms. The Zilber Hospice Center kept him comfortable, pain-free and cared for him and the family in a very loving way. We are very grateful for that.
Bill is survived by his wife of almost 60 years, Guyon. His son Bill, daughter-in-law Kit and granddaughter Maggie. His son Brett, daughter-in-law Sarah and grandchildren Liam and Clover. His sisters Mary Van Order and Elizabeth Hipp. His sisters in-law Linda Hass, Cheri Reischl (Jeff), and brother-in-law Ron Greenwood (Judi). Also many nieces and nephews.
Bill‘s wishes were to be cremated and they have been honored. We will be having a Celebration of his life Thursday, September 29, 2022 at Heritage Funeral Home, 6615 W Oklahoma Ave with Visitation from 4:00-6:00PM followed by a Remembrance service at 6:00 PM. We encourage you to use the website to leave your memories and stories about Bill. The officiant will offer a time for those of you who would like to speak to do so.
Bill also requested that people come in casual dress, he wanted everyone to be themselves and be comfortable. He did not want flowers, but if you wish to do so he would like you to make a contribution to any first responder organization, veterans organization, or a children’s hospital of your choice.
We met Bill and Guyon in Winchester, Wisconsin in 1966/1967. We had so many fond memories and laughs. Bill always had great stories to share. He was always smiling. The world was a better place with his presence. So sad.
Thanks Beth, you know our feelings for you. Take care and stay well.
Guyon💜💜
Sending love to the entire Metzen family. So sorry for your loss, he was a great guy.
Connie and George Kassal
Connie and George,
Thank you so much for your kind thoughts. Sarah and the kids have been so understanding with all of the time that Brett has had to spend assisting us. We are so grateful for their help. Hope you are both doing well and take care of yourselves.
Guyon💞
Bill, a true friend who welcomed me onto the day shift at the B of I.. A friendship that soon extended into his wonderful family.. Made working fun with his knowledge and sense of humor. I know he continues to watch over his family which was always the most important thing in his life. God speed my friend.
John, no words can express the relationship that our families have shared. Thank you for your continuing prayers. God bless you,
Guyon
My sympathy to the family. I knew Bill from the Police Dept and the Marshals service. He was always easy to talk to and had a good sense of humor. He will be missed. R I P.
Thank you Don, I appreciate your condolences. Bill spoke about you and many others from your days together.
He very much enjoyed working with you.
Bill was my next door neighbor for 10+ years. Salt of the Earth! Bill & Guyon were as great as anyone could expect of neighbors.
Rob, you and Bill had many great memories of shared interests. He always enjoyed talking with you. You were a great neighbor to us too. Thank you for your kind words. I hope you are doing well.
Gratefully,
Guyon
Bill was someone I met through my employer when he came in for visits and became a friend. He was always full of life and loved to chat and I loved chatting with him as well. He would always talk about his kids and his face lit up when we talked about his grand kids. He was such a neat man and like a second father to me. Rest in Peace Bill! My thoughts and prayers to all the Metzen Family!
I will always remember Bill as the world’s greatest neighbor. Good neighbors are very hard to find these days. Bill had a personality that anyone would fall in love with. His memory provides all of my family recalling the best of times while conversing in our back yard. He loved to store his latest market finds in our garage. My parents also enjoyed him so much around our house. I believe he was also an excellent example for others in law enforcement to follow. Bill was the Gold Standard in personal interactions and caring about others. We will all miss Bill so much beyond any words. Thanks Bill for your outstanding gifts..… a wonderful person with the biggest heart! Nicholas and Fridah Patrinos.