William White Allis

Allis, William White William White Allis of Mequon, WI and Gulf Stream, FL passed away peacefully December 2, 2013, after a long and interesting life of 92 years, 7 months and 3 days. His life was largely fulfilled as loving husband of Helen Baur (Nana) Allis to whom he was married for 65 years. Beloved father of Mary Allis Schellhorn of Dobbs Ferry, NY, Wendy Allis of Somerville, MA, Bill Allis of Harrisburg, PA and Jeffrey Allis of Delray Beach, FL. His wife and children survive him. Survived also by brother Robert Allis and brother-in-law John Baur, both of Denver, CO., 15 nieces and nephews, 6 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. Preceded in death by his parents Louis and Louise Allis, and brothers Ned, Louis, and Jack and grandson Peter Schellhorn. William Allis was a true gentleman in the traditional sense and his soft spoken charm and intellect will be missed by family, friends and associates from across his long life. Often called Wild Bill by pals, he was also known as Uncle Bill to children of his many good friends. He had a warm smile and unassuming manner, and bore many personal losses and the loss of his health with dignity and grace. Bill was prepared at the Milwaukee Country Day School and graduated from Harvard University where he obtained a degree in hydraulic engineering. During WWII, he served as an Army Air Force officer stationed at MIT, where he was trained in radar technology and engineering. After the war, he worked at Allis Chalmers Manufacturing Co. in research and development. He contributed to development of an artificial kidney, which was donated to the community by Allis Chalmers and first used by Columbia Hospital in 1950. Soon thereafter, Bill founded Allis Hydraulics where he designed hand pumps for auxiliary hydraulic control of military tanks. Continuing as an entrepreneur, Bill acquired Fairfield Greenhouse, a small tropical plant greenhouse operation. He built this business into an innovative horticulture and interior landscaping business which adorned many downtown office buildings and large retail spaces throughout Milwaukee. Following in the footsteps of his father, he was devoted to his employees, whom he treated like family and kept in touch with for many years. During his career, Bill also served in a variety of volunteer leadership positions in local and national mental health associations, which he considered some of his most important work. Taught to play golf by his father Louis in the 1920's, he was an avid and accomplished player and strong advocate for the sport throughout his life. He captured the Wisconsin Junior Amateur Championship in 1938 after winning the State Pater Filius with his father in 1937. Bill played golf for Harvard University in the 1940s. As a member of the Milwaukee Country Club, he served as Chair of the Golf Committee for 13 years, and active volunteer for the Evans Scholarship program for golf caddies. He also participated on the organizing committees for the Walker Cup in 1969 and organized the US Senior Amateur Golf Championship in 1988 at the Milwaukee Country Club. In his later years in his winter environs, he was actively involved in planning the restoration of the Gulf Stream Golf Course, a Donald Ross course in Gulf Stream, FL. Family will greet friends on Saturday, December 7, from 1:00 to 2:00 PM at Forest Home Cemetery, Landmark Chapel, 2405 West Forest Home Avenue, Milwaukee, followed by a service honoring William's life at 2:00 PM. Burial will be private for the family. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Bill's memory may be made to the U.S Seniors Golf Association Memorial Fund, 49 Knollwood Road, Elmsford, NY 10523. This fund supports a wide range of youth initiatives, caddie scholarships and golf programs for disabled veterans.