William "Bill" Crossett

William (Bill) Crossett, age 97, passed away at Ridgewood Care Center on November 16, 2017. Bill was born in Racine on April 16, 1920 to Allen and Marie (nee: Nelson) Crossett. Bill lived most of his life in Racine, dividing his time between Racine and Green Valley, Ariz. in retirement. He married Mary Marshall on February 27, 1946; she preceded him in death on December 2, 2003.

Bill graduated from Washington Park High School in Racine in 1938 and from Lawrence University in 1943. While in high school and college, he was a member of both the football and basketball teams. Following his college graduation, Bill proudly served as a second lieutenant in the United States Navy in the Pacific Theatre. After the war Bill and Mary moved to Baraboo, Wisc., where he owned and operated a Culligan Softwater franchise. They lived there for seven years and made many lifelong friends and memories. In 1954 Bill and Mary moved back to Racine where he purchased the Finance System of Racine, which he owned and operated for 28 years.

Bill was a longtime member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Meadowbrook Country Club, and was involved in YMCA Indian Guides and Little League baseball programs. He enjoyed playing golf, card games and travel, and was an avid sports fan throughout his life. He treasured spending time with family and friends. Bill will be especially missed for his sense of humor, kind nature, dependability and the special relationships he had with each family member.

Surviving Bill are his children, Monica (Donald) Putning, Robert (Nancy) Crossett, both of Racine, and Sally Kelly of Oracle, Ariz. He is further survived by his grandchildren, Aaron (Carrie) Stills, Brian (Kristi) Crossett, Scott (Songhee) Crossett, Jimmy Kelly and Sheila (Britt Hart) Kelly; step-grandchildren, Paige (Don) Davis and Yale Putning, as well as great-grandchildren, Gage, Sophia and Marcellus Stills, Fiona Hart, and Luke and Elizabeth Davis. Bill is also survived by his nephew, Jon Jensen, other relatives and dear friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 57 years, Mary, his parents, and his sister, Doris Jensen.

The family would like to thank the nurses and caregivers at Ridgewood Care Center for their compassionate care and support. Memorials to Healthcare Network, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church or a favorite charity have been suggested.

In accordance with his wishes, a private family service will be held for Bill at a later date.