William E. "Bill" Schulenberg Sr.

William E. "Bill" Schulenberg Sr., a resident of Baton Rouge, died peacefully in his sleep Wednesday, Jan. 26, 2011, at 2:15 a.m. at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center after a brief illness. During his final days, he was surrounded by his children, grandchildren, his pastor, the Rev. Steve J. Crump, and many friends who loved him. He was 82, born July 2, 1928, in Dayton, Ky., and was a retired advertising executive with Sears & Roebuck. He was a beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother and friend. He graduated from the University of Kentucky with a degree in journalism and served as a first lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force from 1951-53. He is survived by his former wife, Marjorie Brothers Schulenberg, whom he married July 10, 1953; his seven children: daughter, Deborah Pratt and husband Ray, daughter, Barbara Brunson and husband Drew, daughter, Carol Brown and husband David, son, Bill Schulenberg Jr. and wife Ann, daughter, Nancy Rondina and husband Fredric, son, Allen Schulenberg and wife Melanie, and daughter, Janice Bement; his 13 grandchildren are Mandy Pratt-Quebedeaux, Jennifer Brunson and Jessica Brunson Troxclair, David and Adam Sharp, Sara and Caroline Schulenberg, Fredric Jr. and Isabella Rondina, Alyssa, Austin and Addison Schulenberg and Conner Bement; five great-grandchildren and nephew, William Russell Schulenberg and wife Fely. He was preceded in death by his parents, William Albert Schulenberg and Ester Aldrich Schulenberg; and brother, Robert Gregory Schulenberg. The Rev. Steve J. Crump will preside over services at the Unitarian Church of Baton Rouge, 8470 Goodwood Blvd., on Saturday, Feb. 5, at 2 p.m. A reception celebrating his life will follow at the church. Special thanks to the doctors, nurses and staff of Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center, Old Jefferson Community Care Center, Promise Specialty Hospital and Hospice of Baton Rouge. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your church or a memorial donation to Hospice of Baton Rouge/Hospice of Baton Rouge Inpatient Unit, 9063 Siegen Lane, Suite A, Baton Rouge, LA 70810.