William A. "Bill" Gnat

1929 - 2014

Gnat, William A. "Bill" Racine - William A. Gnat, 85, passed away at Francis House in South Milwaukee on Wednesday, October 1, 2014. Bill was born in Milwaukee on April 11, 1929 to Walenty and Rose (nee, Radecki) Gnat. On July 7, 1977, Bill married Mary Ann (nee, Kramlich) Gollnick at St. John's Interdenominational Church in Milwaukee. She preceded him in death. Bill served in the U.S. Coast Guard. He was a Master Candy Maker for Quality Candy for over 28 years, retiring in April 1990. Bill was a member of the Loyal Order of the Moose, Racine Lodge #437 and Moose Legion #31. Survivors include his; children, Joseph (Sue Elstrom) Gnat, Geralyn (Scott Murray) Niles, Patrice (Randall Blair) Gnat and Patrick Gnat; step-children, Carl (Chris) Gollnick, Ralph (Deanna Hill) Gollnick, Donna (Kenneth) Mueller, Guy (Yupin) Gollnick, Gayle (John) Pavlik, Sally (Bill) Hall, Eric Gollnick and Laura (Patrick) Rohan; 34 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. Bill is also survived by his former wife, Catherine Gnat; a sister; two brothers; in-laws; nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his granddaughter, Tabatha Nealy. A Mass for Bill will be held at St. Mary by the Lake Parish on Monday, October 6, 2014, at 10 AM celebrated by Rev. Stephen J. Stradinger. A private family entombment will take place at Good Hope Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Sunday evening from 4 until 7 PM with a time of sharing to be held at 7 PM. Relatives and friends may also meet at the church on Monday morning from 9 AM until the time of the Mass at 10 AM. Purath-Strand Funeral Home & Crematory 3915 Douglas Avenue Racine, WI 53402-3230 Phone: (262) 639-8000 www.purath-strand.com