William J. Hall

Racine –William J. “Bill” Hall, age 83, passed away at his residence, surrounded by his loving family on Wednesday, October 23, 2013. Bill was born in Racine, WI to the late William H. and Ellen (nee: Leach) Hall on November 9, 1929.  He spent his younger years playing the horn and marching in competitions with the Racine Boy Scout, the Kenosha Kingsmen, and the VFW Sons and Daughters Drum and Bugle Corps.

William was employed by Western Publishing Company.  William was inducted into the United State Army on March 21, 1951 and before leaving to serve in the Korean War he married his childhood sweetheart, Marlene on August 4, 1951.  Upon returning home, he continued working at Western Publishing, where he retired after forty three years. Bill was active at the First Church of God in the choir and as a youth counselor for many years.  He was currently a member of Grace Church.  For several years he served as the softball coach at Knapp School for fifth and sixth graders, winning the Racine City Championships for two years.  Bill was part owner and craftsman for “Sweet County Woods” with Marlene and Sheri for over 35 years.  His most enjoyable moments were rummage sales with Joanne and Diane, Fishing for walleyes with his son Steve, laughing and playing cards with his special friend and son-in-law, Dave, having lunch with Sheri, vacationing with his grandkids, watching Packer games, snacking on O & H Bakery with “Muffin“ at midnight and watching Diane and Odie get married September 2013.

Surviving are his wife of Sixty Two years, Marlene, children; Joanne Dean, Sheri (Dave) Halliday, Steve (Karen) Hall and Diane (Odie) Garcia, grandchildren; Jeremy Halliday, Kyle Halliday, Sara Hall and Rebecca Hall, great-grandson and “little buddy”; Mayson Coey-Halliday, special cousin; Carol Banke, who sent many cards of love and encouragement, along with many other caring relatives and friends. The family would like to say a special ‘Thank You:” to his RN–Kerri, PA–Charnai, Dr. Sonja Dhingra and her RN-Pat of WF- All Saints and to his RN-Tracy of Gentiva Hospice for all of the tender care they provided to William and  our family during this difficult time.

A memorial service celebrating William’s life will be held in the Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home on Sunday, October 27, 2013 at 5:00 pm. Visitation will be in the funeral home on Sunday from 3-5 pm. In lieu of flowers,please send memorials to his family or donate to your favorite charity in Bill’s Honor.