Mr. William A. Fox, Jr., 67, died at his residence after a courageous battle with cancer on Thursday, December 30, 2010.
He was born in Racine on February 27, 1943, the son of William and Ruth (nee: Strommen) Fox, Sr. He served his country with the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. On June 15, 1968, he married Bonnie Rae Webb at St. Stephen Episcopal Church in Racine. Bill retired as a machinist from Tri-Clover after 23 years of service.
Bill was a devoted son, husband, dad and grandpa. He lived every moment to the fullest and without regret. A passion for life; he loved to golf, fish and spend time with family and friends. Bill touched the lives of many with his loyal friendship and unconditional love. He will be remembered most for his humor, honesty, optimism and generosity. Bill’s life, while much too short, will be remembered and celebrated every day by all who knew him.
In addition to his loving wife, Bonnie, his survivors include his daughters, Dana (Rick) Frederick of Kenosha, Billie (Ernie) Spevak of Charlotte, NC; his grandchildren, Ryan and Tyler Frederick, Asher Spevak; his mother, Ruth Fox; sisters, Genevieve (Richard) Garski of Kenosha, Evelyn Shore of Racine; brother, Michael (Gail) Fox of Bloomington; sisters-in-law and brother-in-law, Jerilyn Fox of Racine, Barbara Condrad of Burlington, James Webb of Fairfield, IA; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and many dear friends. He was preceded in death by his father, William Fox, Sr., sister, Barbara Graceffa; brother, David Fox; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Raymond and Elma Webb and brother-in-law, Edward Shore.
Family and friends are invited to meet at the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Wednesday, January 5, 2011 at 11:00 a.m. for a service celebrating Bill’s life and funeral with Rev. Jeffrey M. Thielen officiating. The service will conclude with military honors. A private interment will take place at West Lawn Memorial Park. There will be a visitation in the funeral home on Tuesday evening from 5-7 p.m. and on Wednesday morning from 10 until the Mtime of the service. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to the Sandra J. Schulze Hope Lodge (411 2nd St. NW Rochester, MN 55901 or www.cancer.org/involved/donate/donateonlinenow/hl08rochmn/index.
A very special thank you to Dr. Louis Letendre at Mayo Clinic and the folks at Hospice Alliance, especially, Kathy, Terry and Chaplain Gary for the loving and professional attention the Fox family received while under their care.
Joyce Lenz says
To the family of Mr. Fox,
The love of Mr. Fox for his family, and his family�۪s love for him, was shared with me over the years through his daughter, Dana. She told me many vivid family stories of his passions (fishing, boating, and golfing ��� to name a few) he shared with his children and grandchildren. She told me of his love of family gatherings and of all the friends he just seemed to make wherever he went. Dana always glowed when she spoke of ���Dad�. He was a center to her life and I feel privileged to have known him through Dana�۪s telling. My sincerest sympathies to your family at this time of great loss. May you always smile as you remember his love for you and the wonderful family times that were the essence of his life.
With special thoughts and prayers,
Joyce Lenz
Sue Butteri Chelf says
I met Foxy this summer when I was at Hope Lodge for 2 weeks looking after my dad Rudy. Foxy stopped by the hospital every day to check on my dad and my dad always lit up when he saw him. Foxy had the ability to make you smile even when your heart was breaking. He had a kind word and laugh for everyone. I felt honored to have met him and grateful for the friendship he had with my dad at Hope Lodge.
Renee Besler says
Dana, May God bless and comfort you and your family as you grieve the loss of your loved one. You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
If you ever want to stop by and share a story or two about your dad I would love to hear it.
Sincerely,
Renee
Denise Hernandez says
Dana – My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Holly Pratt says
I knew Mr. Fox through Dana. I’ve heard the most memorable stories of him over the years and know that he will be missed by all. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you for your loss.
Steve and Carol Yuhas says
Dear Bonnie and kids.
We are so very sorry to hear about Bill. Father Thielen is the best, I was glad to read he will be there. If there’s anything we can do for you, just let us know. Our home phone is 262 456-7407. We are retired now of course, so we have much time. We lived together at Poolside apts. so hope you remember us. I can still here Bill’s “bitch and moan” saying and when Dana started to talk, she used to say “beech a bo” and we couldn’t figure out what she meant. Then we figured it out. Bonnie, we love you and always have. I can still remember your dimples when you smiled and you are beautiful. Again, we are so very sorry. Carol and Steve Yuhas
Jim Sturino says
Dana, I'm so sorry to learn of your Dad's passing. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I lost my Dad to this disease 23 years ago and understand how difficult it can. Your Dad's legacy will live-on in his family and friends. May God bless you and your family during this difficult time. Jim