William Mallatt

Bill Mallatt - Celebration of a Wonderful Life

William Moreland Mallatt

Nov. 29, 1934 – Feb. 18, 2023

MADISON - William Moreland Mallatt, age 88, passed away on February 18, 2023. Bill leaves behind, Caroline, his beloved wife of 62 years, children Caroline, Sara and Margaret (Brian Cook), six grandchildren Connor, Maggie, Katie, Caroline, Henry, Riley, and brother James. Bill was preceded in death by his parents Minnie (Nungesser) and Adolph Mallatt, sister Mary Ann.

It’s not every day you run across a person who leaves an indelible impression. Someone who makes you grin, feel important and engages you immediately with friendly conversation. Someone who asks your name, where you’re from and what sports teams you like. Someone who makes you think, “Isn’t it amazing how some people are just inherently kind?” Bill was that person. Quick with a hug, a laugh and a pat on the back. Infectious enthusiasm. Always a smile on his face. A man who found good in everyone and appreciated every day as if it were his last.

Bill could easily have been known as ‘Mr. Madison.’ He cherished his city and would say it was the best place in the world to raise children. Bill was born here on November 29, 1934. He graduated from West High in 1953, where he lettered in football, basketball, track and baseball, playing shortstop on West’s 1953 state championship team. Bill continued his baseball career at UW, graduating from the School of Pharmacy in 1960 after two years in the Army.

In 1960, Bill joined his father at Mallatt Pharmacy on Monroe Street - “the best job in the world” and successful family business of 66 years. The store was a welcoming place for the community, and Bill went out of his way to help customers and employees alike. You never knew who’d you run into there, but one thing was for sure, Bill would greet you from behind the pharmacy counter with a warm and genuine hello, his treasured Big Band music in the background. Bill continued at Mallatt’s after his protégé and dear friend Mike Flint purchased the business in 1992. During those years, Bill wore many hats but delighted particularly in his role as wine expert, hosting tastings on Friday afternoons.

Bill was a member of Downtown Kiwanis, UW Arboretum board, W Club and past president of UW Sports Hall of Fame. Bill fashioned a fast-pitch softball career that lasted until the age of 60 and saw him bank an RBI on his last at bat. He loved organizing touch football games in his Nakoma neighborhood, always making sure kids of all ages were included.

‘Dad’ loved his family fiercely and would not hesitate to let everyone know how lucky he was. He adored having three daughters and would remind them of that almost daily. Bill’s six grandchildren were the apple of his eye and favorite card-playing companions. He was proud of what wonderful people they had become and regularly boasted of their many successes.

Full of gratitude, grace and a kind-hearted person to his core, Bill simply enjoyed life. He never met a person he didn’t like. He would often say he was the luckiest man on Earth. Even up until the end of his life, he would thank every care provider, maintenance and food service person, family member and friend he came in contact with.

For the many memorable and joyous years we had with our beloved dad, husband and grandpa, we are eternally grateful, and now his infectious spirit lives on in each of us. For Bill Mallatt, it was indeed a wonderful life.

A celebration of life will be held from 1 – 4 pm on Saturday, April 15 at Lussier Heritage Center, 3101 Lake Farm Road, Madison. A private family burial will be held that morning. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Alzheimer’s Research Association ( alzra.org ) or a charity of your choice.

The family expresses deepest appreciation for the loving care provided by the staff of UW Hospital, Four Winds Manor, Attic Angels and Agrace.

Cress Funeral Service

3610 Speedway Rd.

Madison, WI 53705

608-238-3434