William Howard Fernholz

Fernholz, William Howard William Howard Fernholz passed away on June 19, 2014, at the age of 83, after a lengthy struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Born in Delavan, Wisconsin to a lovingly strong-willed mother and kind-hearted father, William inherited both his parents' qualities. He served in the Infantry during the Korean War. After graduating from the College of Letters and Science and Law School at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, Bill began to work at Globe Union, managing the company's benefits program. He continued to direct the benefits program for Johnson Controls after Globe Union's merger with that company. Bill's career grew with the fortunes of his employers, and ultimately he received the Chairman's Award for Excellence for his innovative approaches to employee benefits. Bill was infinitely curious and interested in everything and everybody. His enthusiasms drove him in many directions, and he served in leadership positions at the First Unitarian Church of Milwaukee, the Downtown YMCA, the Friends of the Whitefish Bay Library, and the Milwaukee Art Museum Print Forum. Bill had an infectious enthusiasm for life, and loved telling stories that were sometimes fancifully embellished, but always true at their heart. He could not help but like everyone he met, and people who knew him well always left feeling happier for knowing him. While Alzheimer's disease robbed him of many of his best qualities, he was kind to all until his last breath. Bill is survived by his wife, Barbara, son, William (Amelia), and grandchildren, Josephine and William. He was predeceased by his daughter, Amy. Bill is survived by his wife, Barbara, son, William (Amelia), and grandchildren, Josephine and William. He was predeceased by his daughter, Amy. A memorial service celebrating Bill's life will be held at First Unitarian Church of Milwaukee, 1343 North Astor Street, on Tuesday, June 24 at 4:00 PM with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate donations to The Alzheimer's Association, 620 S. 76th Street, Milwaukee, WI 53214, or the First Unitarian Church of Milwaukee.