VISITATION & SERVICES

Wednesday, April 17, 2024
at
Heritage Funeral Home, 9200 S. 27th Street in Oak Creek
Visitation: 11:00 AM – 12:00 Noon
Funeral Service: 12:00 Noon

Committal Service with Military Honors will follow at Forest Hill Memorial Park

William Varnes “Bill”

Born to Eternal Life April 12, 2024, age 91 years.  Husband of Rita. Father of Robert, Michael, Elizabeth (Dan) Wells, Bryan (Annette), Kay, and the late David.  Grandfather of Dina (William), Jodi (Eric), Crystal, Shayla (Matthew), Alexis, Briana (Mathew), Skyler, Jackson, and the late Cory.  Great-grandfather of Adalyn, Daniel, and Archie.  Brother of Thomas (Colleen).  Brother-in-law of Audrey Szpara. Further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Bill joined the Army after graduating from high school and proudly served his country overseas during the Korean War as a telecommunications specialist. After being discharged from the army Bill moved to Milwaukee and was hired by the Ladish Company. He worked his way up to inspector before retiring after many years of dedicated service. Bill was an active member of the VFW post 8482 for many years and served as commander for several of those years.

Bill and Rita were set up on a blind date.  It didn’t take long for them to realize that they were meant to be together and they were married on February 15, 1958.  They were blessed with six children.  In the early 1970’s Bill and Rita moved to their current home in Oak Creek – three days before Christmas with all six kids and one Christmas tree in tow.

Bill enjoyed sports and was a very good baseball player – he even got scouted but fell short of making it into the big league.  He could still outplay anyone in the family when he was well into his 70’s.  He was a Brewer’s fan and also a Packers fan – everyone knew when the Packers were playing as they could hear Bill “coaching the team from his chair.”  Bill was also an avid outdoorsman – enjoying hunting and fishing.

Bill was a hard worker and dedicated to his family.  He will be greatly missed but his legacy will live on in those who had the pleasure of knowing him.