William Wambach

William (Bill) Theodore Wambach, Jr., age 94, died October 22, 2019 surrounded by loved ones at Prairie Gardens Assisted Living in Sun Prairie, WI.

He is survived by his wife of 71 years, Lorette (LaLonde) Wambach; children, William Wambach (Debra Simon), Julie (James) Hermanson, Ann (Scott) Blackman, Margaret (Gustavo) Gamero, and Martha (John) Fechner; 14 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; sisters, Julie Wambach SSND, Veronica (Harold) Sudbrink, and Therese Kaemmerer; sisters-in-law, Joanne Wambach, Lucienne (Gerald) Bittl, and Marilyn LaLonde; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents; children, Mary, Peter, and Katherine; a grandson, Matthew Calvano; brothers, James (Shirley), Theodore and Thomas; and brothers-in-law, Thomas Kaemmerer and Jerome LaLonde.

Bill was born on August 22, 1925 in Milwaukee, WI, to William Theodore Wambach, Sr. and Julia Catherine (Cleary) Wambach. He attended both Marquette University and Lawrence College as an undergraduate, completing his master's degree in Civil Engineering at the University of Wisconsin. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943-1946 as a Marine pilot. His pilot training led to a lifelong love of flying, one he shared by providing almost 700 first flights to youngsters through the EAA Young Eagles program. Bill's work with the Wisconsin Department of Transportation took him and his family all across the state of Wisconsin.

Bill's attitude about life was to be honest, diligent, and cheerful. He was a servant leader who was actively involved in the Rotary Club of Sun Prairie, Patrick Marsh, St. Albert The Great Catholic Church, Sun Prairie Area School District volunteer, Sun Prairie Education Foundation board member, as well as an all-around Sun Prairie booster. Bill competed in Masters Track events over the last 30 years and set State and National records, especially in the high jump. He was inducted into the Wisconsin Senior Olympics Hall of Fame this year.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:30 AM on Thursday, October 31, 2019 at St. Albert the Great Catholic Church, 2420 St. Albert the Great Drive, Sun Prairie, WI 53590 with Msgr. Donn Heiar presiding. Visitation will be at the church from 9:30 AM until the time of mass. A luncheon at the church will immediately follow.

The family wishes to thank the Prairie Gardens and Agrace HospiceCare staff for their compassionate care. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Agrace HospiceCare www.agrace.org .

Cress Funeral Service
1310 Emerald Terrace
Sun Prairie, WI 53590
608-837-9054