William "Bill" Thomas Atkinson

Service Details

Services celebrating Bill’s life will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 12:00 noon. A memorial luncheon will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Thursday from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon.

As he was a t-shirt & sweats kind of guy, Bill would want you to come to the service dressed as you are.

Memorial Suggestions

In lieu of flowers, memorials to “Tunnel to Towers Foundation” which assists families of fallen first responders.

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Mount Pleasant – William Thomas Atkinson, age 79, passed away peacefully at home, surrounded with the love of family, on Thursday, July 18, 2024. 

Bill was born in Racine on January 25, 1945 to the late William S. Atkinson and Lucille A. (nee: Fritchen) Atkinson. He was a 1963 graduate of William Horlick High School. Bill went on to earn his Bachelor’s degree from Concordia Lutheran College.

On February 2, 1963 in Holy Communion Lutheran Church, Bill was united in marriage with the love of his life, Penny C. (nee: Peterson) Atkinson – proudly celebrating 61 years this year. Bill dedicated his life to our Great Lord, what a faithful and loving servant. He was truly an example of God’s grace.

During his career, Bill worked for Western Printing and Action Air Heating & Air Conditioning. In retirement, he enjoyed working at Taylor Avenue Open Pantry and JC Penney. Among his interests, Bill was a sports enthusiast especially a Brewers & Packers fan; and enjoyed bowling, golfing, fishing, playing cards and had a competitive nature. Above all, Bill was all about his family, affectionately earning the names of honey, daddy, pops and papa.

Surviving are his loving wife, Penny; their children, Deani (Randy) Rendon, Daniel (Donna) Atkinson and Jamie (Frank) Herron; 27 grandchildren; 37 great-grandchildren; 3 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Janice Bergstrom; brother, Jack (Cindy) Atkinson; sister-in-law, Pamela (Daniel) Jenista; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by his sister-in-law, Peggy Peterson; and brother-in-law, Melvin Peterson, Jr.

Services celebrating Bill’s life will be held in Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Thursday, July 25, 2024 at 12:00 noon. A memorial luncheon will follow. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Thursday from 10:00 am – 12:00 noon. As he was a t-shirt & sweats kind of guy, Bill would want you to come to the service dressed as you are. In lieu of flowers, memorials to “Tunnel to Towers Foundation” which assists families of fallen first responders.

Special note of thanks to Compassus Hospice and pulmonologist Dr. Steven Johnson for the compassionate care and support given in Bill’s time of need.