Service Details
A visitation will be held on Friday January 28, 2022 from 10 to 11 am at St. Mary’s on the Lake Catholic Church (7605 Lakeshore Drive in Caledonia) followed by a mass at 11am with Rev. Patrick O’Loughlin officiating.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be sent to St. Mary’s on the Lake Catholic Church and to St. Jude Research Hospital in William’s honor.
William Patrick Walsh passed away at home, surrounded by family, on January 24, 2022.
William was born September 16, 1946, in Kenosha, WI to the late Jerome and Pauline (nee Newhouse) Walsh. He graduated from Wm. Horlick High School in 1964.
On July 16 1966, he married the love of his life, Patricia, at St. Rita’s Catholic Church. They had three children, Denise, Debbie, and Jerome. From 1975 to 1996 he worked for the Racine County Sheriffs Dept. He was proud of all the years he served. He enjoyed reliving those stories with anyone who would listen.
In retirement he enjoyed building and restoring classic cars, traveling (especially to Hawaii and Ireland), wood working, his lawn beautification and swimming. He treasured the time spent with his family and Susie. She will miss all the extra treats during nighttime milk and cookies.
William is survived by his loving wife, Pat, of 55 years, and children Denise (Tim) Bissonnette, Debbie (Brandon) Wills, Jerome (Meghan) Walsh and his grandchildren, Kyle and Ryan Bissonnette, Justin and Ireland Wills, and Isla Walsh. (Bumpa we will miss you!)
He was preceded in death by his parents, Jerome and Pauline Walsh.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Ryan Bissonnette and the Caledonia Fire Department and Rescue who went above and beyond the call of duty, as well as the hospital staff at Ascension All Saints for their support.
The Lord saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be, so He put His arms around you and whispered “Come with me”. With tearful eyes, we watched you suffer and saw you fade away, although we loved you dearly, we could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, a beautiful smile at rest, God broke our hearts to prove he only takes the best. It’s lonesome here without you we miss you so each day, our lives aren’t the same since you went away. When days are sad and lonely, and everything goes wrong, we seem to hear you whisper, “Cheer up and carry on”. Each time we see your picture, you seem to smile and say, “Don’t cry, I’m in God’s keeping, we’ll meet again someday”.
Jackie Malone says
Pat and family,
We are so very sorry to hear about Bill’s passing. He was always one of our favorite people. He had such a great personality and could always make you laugh. Always will remember visiting with you and him at St. Rita’s basketball games and when I would take Eric over to your house. Also visiting at car shows, and seeing him on Hwy 31 in his black Ford pickup.
Our deepest sympathy
The Malone family
Dennis, Jackie, Eric and Mark
Jim Bertermann says
William, my dear friend, we had such wonderful times together. I will always remember our adventures. I will miss texting you each morning as we texted what we were going to do each day and how we were going to solve this countries problems. I will miss your mechanical skills which went above and beyond the ordinary individuals skills. I know that you wished something would break down so that you could use your brilliant mind to fix the problem. You were an amazing individual and a dedicated husband, father and friend. Thank you “Billy” for the precious memories. I will one day see you in God’s workshop. PS – Don’t worry, Sheri and me will take care of Pat and your wonderful dog – Susie.
Debra Cramer says
So sorry to hear about Bill. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!
Patrick G Adkins, BCO, PHD says
It was an honor and privilege to be a friend to and of William and Patricia. I have many memories of this incredible couple over the 20 years I have known them. Both giving people. If you had a problem, Bill was ready and willing to help with anything or any one in an instant. Since I did not live close, we would chat on the phone periodically and he would always start
the conversation by asking me had I been to Joliet recently, a reference to the now closed prison. I will forever miss this larger than life of a man with a heart as large as he was. May the good Lord keep him close in his hand.
Gail Nelson says
I’m so sorry for your loss. 3 Mile Rd will not be the same without him. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Susan Walsh Harrinton and Dennis Walsh says
I was so sorry to read this, My father,Eugene Walsh, and Bill”s Dad were first cousins – so I guess we are distant cousins. My family lived on the east side of Hwy 31 while yours lived on the west side of 31.My brother,Dennis ,is the same age as Bill.May you find comfort in the wonderful memories you shared,With sincere sympathy Sue Walsh Harrington
Jeff Rasmussen says
I WAS SADDEN TO READ THE NEWSPAPER THIS MORNING AND LEARN OF BILL’S PASSING. MY CONDOLENCES GO OUT TO YOU, PAT, AND YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY. I WILL ALWAYS REMEMBER OUR ENCOUNTERS AT THEV 8:30 AM SUNDAY LITURGIES AND PARISH EVENTS AT ST. MARY BY THE LAKE. I KNOW BILL WILL BE MISSED BY SO MANY. YOU ARE ALL IN MY THOIJGHTS AND PRAYERS AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME. MAY THE ANGELS LEAD BILL INTO PARADISE, AND MAY GOD HOLD HIM IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND.
Bill Vyvyan says
So very sorry to hear of Bills passing. He was certainly a big part of why so many of us enjoyed working at RCSD. RIP my friend.
Mary Howells says
Bill was the patriarch of the neighborhood. We depended on his friendship, kindness and good nature. Often he would step in to help a neighbor; such as mowing the lawn when there was a death in the family, fixing an engine or giving advise when he sees that you are attempting a difficult task. It is hard to look across the street, knowing he is no longer with us. God has taken home a true Christian and good friend. I know he will be whispering in my ear every time I attempt to fix something as he always was there when I needed help. My condolences to his family and friends especially to his wife,Pat.
Gail (Despins) Spang says
Pat and Family ,
So Sorry for Your Loss!
My Prayers are with You.
Earl Womack says
It was my honor to have worked with Bill at the Sheriff’s Dept.
I am saddened to hear of his death.
Condolences to the family.
Rest In Peace Bill
Sharon Rebholz aka Beth says
Bill, you always teased me and Bertermann didn’t think I could take it, but you and I had an understanding! You always made us laugh whenever we were all together. Glad we had some time to spend together with you and Pat, and Jimmy and Sheri. You will be missed, see you if I make it there!😋 You were one in a million!!
Sheri Bertermann says
Our fearsome foursome has lost the captain of the ship. I feel blessed to have had you and Pat as our very dear friends for many years. The many nights of conversation, a cocktail or two, and then off to Derango’s we would go to finish the evening. We were known as regulars there. However, we and will always remember the night we walked out! Arby’s tasted real good that night!
Bill was a larger than life character with a heart of gold. He and Pat talked me in to going to Catholic bible class at St. Marys. It was actually fun, and Bill enjoyed ribbing me for being the only Lutheran there! Too many fun memories to mention!
Jim and I were fortunate to call him our friend. He will be greatly missed.
Bill, may God hold you in his loving arms till we meet again.
Luanne and Herb Gitzlaff says
It is such a deep sadness that is felt for you and your family. We cannot be with you in person tomorrow but our hearts and prayers will be. There are no words to help with your loss so I am sending you a hug of support and understanding. You will be in our prayers. Please please feel free to call or ask for company to talk. This is truly a desire to be there for you when you need me.
Ann Berka says
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing, worked together many times over the years at the Sheriff’s Department.. He always was so easy to work with and always so upbeat!
Sherre and Dennis Chapin says
God Bless you Pat and your family. Our prayer to you and Bill. May he Rest In Peace.
Tracey and Pablo Riesen says
Dear Pat and family,
We are so, so sorry for your loss. We hope you will find comfort in the love of family and friends, and in sharing your memories of your time together. He will always be with you in your hearts. May he rest in peace.
God bless,
Tracey and Pablo Riesen
Laurie Giese says
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. It brought back memories of all those soccer games we shared when our boys played together. Deepest condolences to the Walsh family.
Glen Jones says
I always enjoyed talking with Bill, whether he was working at the substation or when we were both working as court officers. I believe he was a second-generation deputy, and he often told stories and shared information about his latest projects. May the Lord offer you comfort as He welcomes Bill to his heavenly home.
Kathy Rotkis..Colleen Kern says
I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a joy to be around.
My condolences to the Walsh family. Prayers for you all.