William "Bill" Genin

MADISON - William A. “Bill” Genin, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, age 96 passed away into eternal rest to be with his beloved wife, Lucy Mary, on January 10, 2021.

He was born on August 20, 1924, the seventh child of Joseph and Barbara (Ferstl) Genin in the Century House on University Avenue, Madison, WI. He attended Holy Redeemer grade school and Madison Central High School. Shortly after high school he was drafted into service for World War II. He spent three years with the Air Force, during which he was a mechanic on B-24 bombers.

Upon discharge, he returned to Madison where in the fall of 1946 he met the love of his life, Lucy M. Martinelli. They were married on June 5th, 1948 in St. Joseph’s Catholic Church on Park St. Together, they raised a family of eight children, seven boys and one girl.  Bill taught his children what it meant to be a loving husband and a caring father, as well as how to treat others with respect. Bill loved being a dad and was a great example for his children in how to be good to others. He was strong yet gentle, firm yet caring, and understanding beyond belief. He put the Dad in Father.

Bill worked for the Dane County Surveyor’s Office and then in November of 1949 he went to work for the Wisconsin Department of Transportation. He retired in March of 1987 after 37 ½ years, as Chief of Printing Services. Over the years, he had a hand in the printing of many Wisconsin State maps.

Bill enjoyed doing many things. Playing golf was his joy, whether it was with his sons or his friends. He also enjoyed watching sports on TV, especially the Green Bay Packers, Wisconsin Badgers football and basketball, the Brewers, and golf. He loved watching his children play sports and being involved in their many other pursuits. He would always help his children with projects around their homes.

He was a volunteer at meal sites and served on the Board of Directors of the West Madison Senior Coalition. Giving back and paying it forward was a way of life. He was always willing to help or lend a hand to anyone in need. He was a member of the Our Lady Queen of Peace Parish since 1956 and the American Legion Post 151.

He is survived by his eight children, Ken (Linda), Mark (Sue), Don (Kim), Rick (Deb), Greg (Cathy), Gloria, Dave (Sherry), and Bill (Julie); as well as fourteen grandchildren; nine great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Lucy of 67 years; his three sisters, Agnes Eichorst, Sister Sarita Genin, SSND, and Pauline Genin; and his three brothers Leo, Herman, and Henry.

Services will be held privately. Bill will be entombed at Resurrection Cemetery next to his wife, Lucy.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the wonderful and loving care given to Bill by Dr. Orest Kostelyna, staff of Home Instead, and especially the staff at St. Mary’s Care Center.

In lieu of flower memorials, donations can be made to O.L. Queen of Peace Endowment Fund , Home Instead , and the West Madison Senior Coalition .

A father is a blessing, gentle, kind and wise. He gives encouragement, and the last to criticize. He will always be there to lend a helping hand.