William A. “Bill” Pynaker, of Sugar Camp, Wisconsin, passed away on August 11, 2025. He was born on October 13, 1951, in Kenosha, Wisconsin, to the late William and Ruth (Wienke) Pynaker.
Bill attended Yorkville Grade School and graduated from Union Grove High School in 1970. While in high school, he worked at Marv’s Gulf gas station in Kenosha. Shortly after graduation, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving proudly for three years, including overseas deployment during the Vietnam War. He carried immense pride in being a Marine throughout his life.
Following his military service, Bill embarked on a 42-year career with Twin Disc Inc. in Racine, Wisconsin. He worked his way up from Machinist to Technical Manager before retiring.
Bill was an active member of V.F.W. Post #7924, a proud part-owner of the Green Bay Packers, and a devoted Milwaukee Brewers fan. After retirement, he and his wife, Sharon, relocated from Union Grove to the Sugar Camp area, where he enjoyed fishing for crappies and crafting his own fishing baits during the winter months.
Bill is survived by his wife of 32 years, Sharon; his daughter, Tracy (Brian) Sinner; and his stepdaughter, April Duerr. He was a loving grandfather to Austin (Olivia) Duerr, Randy Sinner, and Katelynn “Katie to Grandpa” Sinner. He is also survived by his sister, Sharon (Jack) VanSwol; nephew, Brian (Dawn) VanSwol; uncle and aunt, John and Alice Wienke (WY); special cousin, Barb Pynaker; his Twin Disc “family,” with special mention to Tim (Pat) Atkinson; and his loyal furry friend, Brandy.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his daughter, Katie Marie; niece, Teresa VanSwol; cousins Marvin Pynaker and Joyce Gilbertson; best friends Jim and Herb Kohlman; and Nick Tobias.
Per his wishes, Bill will be cremated, and no funeral service will be held at a later date.
The family extends special thanks to the ICU nursing staff and doctors at Aspirus Hospital, as well as neighbor David Kilps, for their care and kindness.
Semper Fi.
Tim and Pat Atkinson says
I miss my friend, we lived a few hundred miles apart, but we always thought about Bill and Sharon. I worked with Bill for 42 years. He taught me a lot and we all became a family of sorts. He was a good man. He will be missed by many friends and his family, but never forgotten.
Anonymous says
Ray Yocco good man, worked with him many years.
Linda (Zimmer) Thelen says
Bill Pynaker was my boyfriend in eighth grade at Yorkville. He was a great guy then and a wonderful person all of his life. It makes me sad to know that he is gone. Rest in peace my friend.
Jon Lyons says
As Chaplain for American Legion Post 21, Sons of The American Legion Squadron 21, and District 1 out of Kenosha Wisconsin, prayers go out to you all! Remember the gift of knowing this great individual! Salute to you and thank you for your service! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻