William Hodgkiss

1940 - 2017

Hodgkiss, William

William "Bill" Francis Hodgkiss, 76 of Lakewood, Wisconsin, devoted and beloved husband, father and grandfather, passed away Tuesday, May 9, 2017. Bill died peacefully Tuesday morning at ThedaCare Hospital in Neenah.

Bill was born in Cleveland, Ohio on September 30, 1940. He graduated St. Ignatius High School (Cleveland) in 1958. Bill joined the United States Navy after graduation where he attended Language School in Monterey, California. He then served as a Communication Technician (interpreter) in Bremerhaven, Germany.

After Bill returned from the service, he met and married the love of his life, Mary Louise (Mimi) Tinney, on May 15, 1965. Bill and Mimi quickly became a family of 3 with the birth of their first son William "Bill", followed by Jennifer, Brian, and Jodi. Bill and Mimi settled in Conneaut, Ohio where Bill began his distinguished career in banking. While working and raising his treasured children, Bill earned a degree at Cleveland State University, followed by a Graduate Degree in Banking from the Stonier School of Banking at Rutgers University. He was also a faculty member at Kent State University. Bill served as President of the Conneaut Rotary Club, and Chamber of Commerce. He also served six years on the Youngstown Diocese Board of Education, two as President. Bill coached the 7th and 8th grade basketball team for St. Francis Cabrini School for 11 years. He also coached numerous little league teams for his sons.

In 1983, Bill and Mimi relocated their family to Appleton, Wisconsin, where Bill continued his career in banking and his tireless service to the communities in which he lived. While working in the banking industry, Bill served as President and CEO of three different banks, the last being Firstar Bank of Appleton. Following his distinguished thirty year career in banking, Bill spent the final ten years of his professional life serving as the Vice President of Business Affairs and Chief Financial Officer of Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin. Bill also served as President of the Appleton Downtown Incorporated and Appleton Community Blood Center. He was on the board of The Appleton Redevelopment Authority and The Appleton Library Board. In addition, he held leadership positions with The United Way, The Fox Valley Symphony, The Appleton Arts Alliance, and The Appleton Chamber of Commerce. He enjoyed serving as the president of The Appleton Rotary Club where he brought laughter and levity to every meeting.

Bill continued his faithful support of Catholic Schools while in Appleton where he served six years on The Xavier High School Board of Directors, four as President. Even after his retirement and all his kids had graduated from high school, Bill answered the call to ACES/Xavier to serve as Chairman of the capital campaign that would raise over nine million dollars for improvements at Xavier High School. He went on to serve as President of the Xavier Foundation.

During his busy years in Appleton, Bill and Mimi purchased a small cottage on Maiden Lake, in Lakewood, Wisconsin. He, Mimi and the kids spent their summers and many winter days enjoying the beautiful property. While in Appleton Bill continued to coach baseball, softball and support each of his children in all their activities.

Bill was an impassioned supporter of the unborn, giving generously of his time and money to their rights and protection. He was a proud member of the Board of Directors of WomanKind located in Appleton Wisconsin. In addition he served as the Treasurer of Mother and Unborn Baby care.

In 2003, Bill retired and he and Mimi moved to the cottage they adored. As a self- made handyman and gifted craftsman, Bill, with the help of his beloved Mimi, turned their small summer cottage into a beautiful home where they lived full time and welcomed all of their family and friends. Bill once again loved and served his lake community well by becoming a member of The St. Mary of the Lakes Finance Committee and chairing the church picnic for many years. During this time Bill became a proud Papa to his adoring grandchildren. He and Mimi spent much time cheering and watching them at each of their games and events. Bill loved the outdoors, fishing, boating, skiing, and snowshoeing. He loved to build and carve. He shared his passions for his hobbies and the lake with all of his precious grandchildren. All of whom loved spending time with him and Mimi on Maiden Lake.

Bill was a generous and loyal friend to all who knew him. He was quick to mow a yard, shovel a drive, or meet any need he saw. Bill, a loving and present grandfather, made time to love, teach, and laugh with all of his grandchildren. They will miss him dearly. Bill was a proud and devoted father to his four children. He was always available to help and serve them whenever and however the call arose. He has inspired a love and loyalty between them that they hope to pass on to the next generation in his honor. Bill loved Mimi for more than fifty two years. He was a devoted and selfless husband. Their love story and marriage was the cornerstone of Bill's precious family and a legacy that will continue to live. Finally, Bill was a lifetime member of the Catholic Church and a faithful follower of Jesus Christ in whose arms he now rests. Bill will be deeply missed by his wife and family who will always love him and look forward to the day they will see him again.

Bill is survived by his wife Mary Louise "Mimi", his children; William "Bill" (Victoria) Hodgkiss of Appleton, Jennifer (Stephen) Risley of Alpharetta, Ga, Brian (Rachael) Hodgkiss of Appleton, and Jodi (Timothy) Lally of Cumming, Ga; his grandchildren, Will and Devin Hodgkiss, Ethan and Karl Risley, Gemma and Zoe Hodgkiss, Laura, Timothy "Mac", and Patrick "Finn" Lally. Bill is also survived by his sister, two brothers, many sisters and brothers-in-law, and many nieces and nephews.

Bill is preceded in death by his mother, Irene, father William, step-mother Eleanor, mother-in-law Connie, father-in-law Jack, and his grandson, John.

Visitation will be held in Appleton on Thursday, May 18, 2017 starting at 4:00 PM and concluding with a prayer service at 7:00 PM at WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME (537 N. Superior St.).

The Funeral Liturgy for Bill will be held at 11:30 AM on Friday, May 19, 2017 at ST. MARY'S OF THE LAKES PARISH (15232 County Hwy. F, Lakewood, 54138) with visitation being held from 10:00 AM until the time of mass.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to WomanKind (WomanKind 526 W. Wisconsin Ave, Appleton, 54911) in Bill's name.

The Hodgkiss, Risley, and Lally families would like to express their deep gratitude to ThedaCare ICU in Neenah for the compassionate and tender care they gave Bill and his family during this difficult time. We especially thank Cary, who demonstrated extraordinary kindness to all of us.