Service Details
At this time, there will be no formal service. The family will arrange a celebration of life at a later date.
Memorial Suggestions
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for donations in William’s honor be made to the UWM Foundation in support of the School of Freshwater Sciences at http://uwmfoundation.org/willman, or by check payable to “UWM Foundation, Inc.” Please include “Friends of Water – 3702” or “School of Freshwater Sciences” in the memo line and mail to UWM Foundation, 1440 E North Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53211.
After a brief unexpected diagnosis of cancer William ‘Billy’ Patrick Willman, age 58, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 29, 2026, after a courageous battle with an incurable form of cancer, surrounded by close friends and family.
Billy was born on November 6, 1967, in Racine, Wisconsin, to his father, Shuff Willman, and his loving mother, Patricia (Pat Ouweneel) Willman. He was raised in Door County during his childhood before returning to the Milwaukee and Racine areas, where he spent most of his life.
Bill lived his life day by day and was a true example of what it means to live in the moment, because you never know what tomorrow holds. His love for sailing, the ocean, and the Great Lakes were where he chose to spend his time, along with rock concerts and listening to his favorite bands. Bill had a song for everything and could always be found somewhere on a boat. Billy was a dedicated boat captain for Twin Disc, building a life and career on the water he loved so much. His most recent job on the Double Clutch kept him close by, and he would often pass friends and family up and down the Milwaukee River.
Bill is survived by his mother, Patricia Willman; his sister, Elizabeth; his beloved therapy dog niece, Zara; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins on both the Willman and Ouweneel sides.
He was preceded in death by his father, Shuff, and his grandparents from both sides of the family.
At this time, there will be no formal service. The family will arrange a celebration of life at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, the family wishes for donations in William’s honor be made to the UWM Foundation in support of the School of Freshwater Sciences at http://uwmfoundation.org/willman, or by check payable to “UWM Foundation, Inc.” Please include “Friends of Water – 3702” or “School of Freshwater Sciences” in the memo line and mail to UWM Foundation, 1440 E North Ave, Milwaukee, WI 53211.
Billy will be remembered for his free spirit, his love of music and water, and his ability to remind everyone around him to cherish the present moment.
As Billy would say, “Ease out the sheets, and we sail from here.”
Andrew Hallett says
Fair wind …Cap!
Anonymous says
Pat,
I was so saddened to hear of Billy’s passing. Floods of memories came of summers past when the boys were young and creating all sorts of excitement in Sturgeon Bay. It was always a delight to have him aboard and then wonder what they would think of next. God rest his soul. Love and hugs,
Ann Bernard
Cherrill Cregar says
Dear Billy, a special part of our family for a considerable amount of time. We have kept watch on him these last years. We have him in our hearts but know he is sailing in the great beyond . The Cregars
Patrick Ward says
I was more a contemplative of his father . I was a friend of his. I shared his love of the water and sailing. There are way too many of us, leaving the reservation sooner than planned.
Lars Hansen says
Gone From My Sight
I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side,
spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts
for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck
of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.
Then, someone at my side says, ‘There, she is gone’
Gone where?
Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast,
hull and spar as she was when she left my side.
And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.
Her diminished size is in me – not in her.
And, just at the moment when someone says, ‘There, she is gone,’
there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices
ready to take up the glad shout, ‘Here she comes!’
And that is dying…
Death comes in its own time, in its own way.
Death is as unique as the individual experiencing it.
Henry Van Dyke
Joyce and Dan Williams says
Our prayers are with you dear Pat and Elizabeth. May you hold fond memories of Bill in your hearts forever. With love and our deepest sympathy, Joyce and Dan Williams
Mary Growdon says
Pat,
My heart hurts for you all. I will miss Billy and have fond memories with you all from our sailing days in Sturgeon Bay on Phantom and Fadaka. Hugs and prayers to you during this difficult time.
Mary Growdon
Jerry and Karen Poquette says
We were so saddened for your loss. Jerry has fond memories of Billy growing up and crewing on Fancy Free. Whenever we saw him he had a smile and a laugh. Blessings and hugs to you Pat and Elizabeth. Jerry and Karen Poquette
Brian P. says
Billy was an amazing & very kind person. He was always looking forward protecting his crew. He will be remembered as a fun loving captain who lived in the moment & enjoyed life to the fullest. He loved going to concerts and spending time on the water. He will be remembered always.
Colleen Kinney says
Dear Pat and Elizabeth,
My heart aches for you both, and my deepest sympathies are with you during this difficult time.
For 35 years, Billy was my dearest friend and confidante. He was my safe space, always there for me throughout all of life’s ups and downs. I am shy by nature but he knew how to inspire me and gently nudge me out of my comfort zone to experience new things. His zest for life and boundless positivity enriched my world in endless ways. I am still in shock and miss him so much.
He left a legacy of kindness, laughter, and genuine connections.
With heartfelt condolences,
Colleen
Joe Fischer says
Smooth sailing
The Telander Family says
Our childhood was enlivened by the Willman family and our visits with them in Sturgeon Bay. From where we anchored, you could see the white sails of Bill’s laser in the distance. Maybe he was only 14 at the time but you could see him sailing up and down the bay aggressively for hours on end, even in the choppiest of waters, strongest winds. A true sailor that earned his prowess on the water at a young age, there was no way around it. His natural warmth and humor will be missed. He always gave a huge hugs, there would be lots of laughter, and things to reminisce about. He never forgot you or discounted you. We will never forget you either, Bill.
Chris Faller says
Great childhood memories growing up together. Never a dull moment. He will be missed.