William Butler Stonebraker

Madison -- William Butler Stonebraker, age 87, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 4, 2008 at HospiceCare in Madison. Bill was born on July 23, 1921 to Gertrude Butler in Maroa, Illinois in Macon County. He was united in marriage to Florence Klug on July 28, 1945. Bill joined the U.S. Navy on his 21^st birthday, and enlisted for 6 years. He received his basic training in Great Lakes, Illinois. Bill served as a Medical Corpsman with the 6^th Marines, 2^nd Division, in the South Pacific battles for Tarawa, Saipan, and Tinian. Bill managed the Men's Department at Baron's Department Store on the square. He also worked at Clark's Clothing in Hilldale, as well as the University of Wisconsin Athletic Department. Upon retirement, Bill and Florence traveled to many states to visit friends and relatives. They volunteered 8 years at the Bethesda Thrift Store. Bill was a member of Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, where he enjoyed being an usher for many years. Bill is survived by his loving wife of 63 years, Florence, who cared for Bill at home for a year and a half with the wonderful help of Hospice. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Carol Ann. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 10, 2008 at CRESS FUNERAL HOME, 3610 Speedway Road, Madison, with Pastor Steve Wenk presiding. A visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of services. Memorials may be made in Bill's name to the HospiceCare Foundation, 5395 E. Cheryl Road, Madison, WI 53711. Burial will take place at a later date at Trinity Lutheran Church Cemetery in Reeseville. A very special thank you to Hospice for all the love and care given to Bill. Semper Fidelis -- Anchors Away!