William Roach

William A. Roach passed peacefully on June 25. He was born in Eau Claire, WI on May 20, 1932, son of the late William R. and Rosella (Jacobs) Roach.

He married the late Carol Junion on May 19, 1962, with whom he had and is survived by four children, Beth Anne (Roach) Schulz (Jeff) (Green Bay), William J. Roach (Linda) (Pewaukee), Dr. Michael P. Roach (Dr. Julie Dabkowski) (Michigan City, IN), and Dr. Stephen Roach (Ann) (Sacramento, CA). He is preceded in death by his beloved family members: brother, Joseph and Virginia Roach; brother, Arthur and Zeta "Dolly" Roach; and sister, Mary and James O'Brien, all of Eau Claire, WI.

Bill was blessed to love and serve as an inspiration to nine grandchildren including Derek Waldeck (Sheboygan), Will (Denver) and Alex Roach (Pewaukee), Austin (Chicago) and Jack (Dallas) and Ellen Roach (Chicago), and Kaila, Aiden, and Nathan Roach (Sacramento).

Bill was a proud 1950 graduate of Saint Patrick's Parish High School (renamed Regis several years later).

At St. Pat's, Bill was a star, multi-sport athlete. Some of his fondest memories included competing with cousins and friends on the football and baseball field. Post-high school, Bill played baseball at the semi-pro level for several years. You would find him at shortstop, hitting first in the lineup for teams including Leifs Conocos Oilers and the Eau Claire Merchants. Bill was one of two area players selected to try out for the Chicago White Sox in 1950.

Bill enlisted in the Coast Guard in 1952 and was initially stationed at the base in Alameda, CA. He then served on the USCG Cutter Cactus before being honorably discharged. A shoulder injury prevented Bill from having a longer military career but the lighter duty provided him the opportunity to occasionally watch professional baseball games at iconic stadiums. He loved sharing those wonderful memories with other baseball enthusiasts.

Bill's easy-going disposition and ability to connect with anyone made him the perfect salesman. After discharge from the Coast Guard, Bill started his sales career with Liggett & Meyers Tobacco Company before joining Northwestern Refining Company as a salesman in Wausau, WI.

In 1975, Bill and his family moved to Green Bay where he then worked for the Pennzoil Company. Bill spearheaded the installation of the first Pennzoil quick oil change centers in the Green Bay area before retiring in April 1994. Post-retirement, Bill enjoyed shuttling cars throughout the Midwest for Gandrud Chevrolet, Green Bay.

Bill, affectionately known by his children and grandchildren as Grandpa Coach, will best be remembered for his selfless nature and daily display of gratitude. His marvel and appreciation for the little things in life included a home cooked meal or a round of golf where you never layup but always swing for the fences.

Bill's regular refrain that "I am feeling really good and at the top of my game" was a constant inspiration for those he encountered. Grandpa Coach loved traveling to visit his children and relished attending his grandchildren's sporting and school events. It was guaranteed that any significant family event or accomplishment would draw a tear or two from Grandpa Coach.

Bill and family are grateful for the loving care he received from the attendants and staff at Arbor View Assisted Living Facility of Pewaukee, WI, as well as Compassus Hospice. Grandpa Coach will be missed but never forgotten.

Mass of Christian burial will occur at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, 316 Fulton Street, Eau Claire on Tuesday, July 16 at 11 a.m. with Father Michael Klos officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church. Burial will be at St. Patrick's Catholic Cemetery in Eau Claire.

Arrangements were entrusted to Lenmark-Gomsrud-Linn Funeral and Cremation Services. Online condolences may be left for Bill's family at lenmarkfh.com.