~~ William Robert “Bill” Dollase, 83, passed away unexpectedly at Wheaton Franciscan Hospital-All Saints on Thursday, December 5th. He was born in Fort Atkinson on January 10, 1930, the son of the late Robert and Johanna (nee: Legner) Dollase.
From his childhood on, Bill was fascinated with airplanes. He started flying as a teenager, obtaining a private pilot license and later owning his own plane. In recent years he was an active member of the Racine Radio Control Airplane Club. He also had a lifelong interest in Ham radio and was a licensed amateur radio operator.
Bill proudly served his country. While in high school he was a member of the National Guard, served in the R.O.T.C. while in college, and finally served in the U.S. Army. In 1953, Bill graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Electrical Engineering, and later received his Professional Engineer license.
In 1957, Bill married the former Anna Mae “Ann” Meyer in the Universalist Church here in Racine. For over 50 years they have been members of the Evangelical United Methodist Church. He was employed by several companies in Racine County, retiring in 1992 from the American Roller Company in Union Grove.
Surviving are his wife, Anna Mae; daughters, Diane (Tim) O’Brien, Susan (Charles) Gustke, and son, Robert (Hiromi) Dollase; grandchildren, Evan and Carl Gustke, and Sydney and Conor O’Brien; sister, Dolores Tronti; sisters-in-law, Beverly Becker, Nancy (Donald) Jacobson, and brother-in-law, Merton (Luanne) Sorenson. He is also survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
A memorial service celebrating his life will be held in the funeral home on Saturday, December 14th, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. John Fleming officiating. Relatives and friends are invited to meet with the family in the funeral home Saturday, from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service. The family has suggested memorials to the Evangelical United Methodist Church Building Fund, the Salvation Army, or a charity of your choice.
Dennis D. Johnson, Veteran says
Fellow Veteran,
Words cannot express, a debt that cannot be paid, a cost we cannot comprehend…a thank you that falls short…but honor you we must try, for all that have gone, are there and will go.
We are honored by your service and commitment, your valor and sacrifice.