William Gauthier, Sr.

William J. "Bill" Gauthier Sr. passed away Friday, September 12, 2014, at St. Mary's Hospital surrounded by his family at the age of 81 years and was reunited with his wife Betty a few hours later. He was born in Rhinelander on June 19, 1933 the son of Joseph V. and Ella M. (Gilbert) Gauthier. Bill enlisted in the U. S. Army from 1954 until 1956 and had also served in the Army Reserves for 6 years. On September 1, 1956 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Bill was united in marriage to Betty M. Cady. He had lived in Tomahawk for 21 years and in Rhinelander since 1997. William had been employed at the paper mill and later as a Counselor at Lincoln Hills. Bill enjoyed hunting, fishing, woodworking, especially creating shadow figures, word search puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and working on his cars. He enjoyed visiting with friends but most of all spending time with his family. He will be remembered for his laughter and sense of humor and for helping troubled children.He will be dearly missed by his children; Cynthia Kennedy of Rhinelander, William J. Gauthier Jr. of Tomahawk, Peter Gauthier of Brooklyn Park, MN, David (Bobbie) Gauthier of Tomahawk, Teresa (Russell) Kaphingst of Rhinelander, nine grandchildren; James, Joshua (Lisa), Jason and Justin Kennedy, Alicia Sauer, Alex Kaphingst, Brook (Josh) Lehto, Misty Linfoot, and Adam (Cami) Kostreva, and eight great-grandchildren; Anna and Austin Sauer, Jayda and Joshua Kennedy, Evelynn and Kylee Lehto and Taylor and Kendal Kostreva. Also surviving are sisters; Loretta Dellenbach of Rhinelander, Jane (Harold) Garrow of Rhinelander and Liz (Bob) Putnam of Florida. Bill is further survived by nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, one son; Michael A. Gauthier, twin infant grandsons; Jonathan E. and Christopher W. Gauthier, son-in-law; James Kennedy, and by two sisters; Melva Nolte and Josephine Gauthier.The combined visitation and services for William and Betty will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2014 at the Hildebrand-Russ Funeral Home. The visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until the time of 12:00 p.m. funeral service. Pastor Charles Scheele will be officiating. A luncheon will immediately follow the service in the banquet room at the funeral home. Interment with full military honors will follow the luncheon at Greenwood Cemetery, Tomahawk. Hildebrand Russ Funeral Home, Celebrating lives and healing hearts. 24 E. Davenport Street, Rhinelander, Wisconsin 54501 (715)-365-4343. All are invited to light a candle, sign the guestbook and leave a photo or an online condolence at hildebrandrussfh.com