Brookfield, Wisconsin
Fotsch, William E. Of Elm Grove, passed away at home on April 13, 2011, at the age of 80. Bill was born November 28, 1930, in Chicago, to William G. and Colleen Fotsch. He attended Catholic grade school and attended public high school in Skokie, Illinois. Bill became the first member of his family to attend college, studying Engineering at the University of Notre Dame graduating in 1952. In September 1954 he married Geraldine V. Dodge, who was his loving wife for 56 years. Bill served his country in the Army from 1955 to 1957. He started his career as an engineer at Kearney & Trecker. Bill left Kearney & Trecker to start his own tool and die company in South Bend, Indiana. As the business grew he relocated it to West Allis in the old Kearney & Trecker building on 68th and National. Bill enjoyed working in the yard, and being the neighborhood critic. He was a quiet, but impactful philanthropist. Bill loved his family, dear friends, Notre Dame (not always in that order), and was very proud of his family, which he considered "The Best". Bill and Geri instilled in their family daily, a spirit best encapsulated by their favorite mantra, "to whom much is given, much is expected". He is survived by his wife, Geri; eight children, Bill (Joy) of Villa Hills, KY, Dick (Amy) of Sheboygan Falls, WI, Ed (Deb) of Sausalito, CA, Colleen (Pat) Lawton of Oconomowoc, WI, Bob (Sandy) of Mooresville, NC, Don (Kate) of Palo Alto, CA, Jim (Barb) of Sussex, WI and Tom (Dea) of Brookfield, WI; 30 grandchildren, CJ, Will and Ben (Lauren) Fotsch; Jenny (Chad) Austino, Alison and Timothy Fotsch; Mackenzie, Alex, Nick and Spencer Fotsch; Andy, Chris, Shannon and Matt Lawton; Brittany, Candice, Jaclyn and Lauren Fotsch; Colleen, DJ, Shawn, Connor, Kelly and Caitlin Fotsch; AJ, Dani and JP Fotsch and Andy, Maria and Sarah Fotsch. Visitation will be held Monday, April 25, at the Funeral Home from 4:30PM until 7:00PM. In keeping with the deceased's strong belief that one should never be too early to mass, the funeral mass will be held on Tuesday, April 26, at 11:00 AM, at St. Jerome's Catholic Church in Oconomowoc, WI. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Clinical Cancer Center of Froedtert Hospital or the Elm Grove EMS (Emergency Medical Services). "Jesus, Mary and Joseph, it was a good run." Godspeed Pa.
Dear Fotsch Family,
Please allow me to offer my family's condolences and prayers at the passing of Mr. Fotsch. Although I never met him, Bill has had a tremendous impact on my family, because my daughter Keelia will be attending Marquette in the fall thanks to his extreme generosity. We are very grateful for the opportunity he has given her, and she will be one more legacy to his well-lived life. Thank you!
Brian and Nanda Doyle
April 30, 2011 | Wheaton, IL
Dear Geraldine,
You and Bill have always been among the most caring, kind and generous people. Bill will be greatly missed by so many. Our deepest and most sincere sympathy to you and your family during this msot difficult time.
Candy Walton, American Red Cross
April 26, 2011 | Milwaukee, WI
Tom, Dea and kids,
I am so sorry for your loss. May your memories bring a smile to your face, fill your heart with love, and ease your ache more with each new day.
Toni Ruel
April 25, 2011
While I never met William Fotsch directly, I know well the amazingly positive legacy that he has left in this world. I have known Don & Kate and their children for over 14 years and they are wonderful people devoted to serving God and their community. Our thoughts are with Geraldine and the entire Fotsch family.
Rob Hudson
April 25, 2011 | Naperville, IL
Fotsch Family,
With deepest sympathy.
The Shannon Family,
Merlin, Amy, Eric, & Taylor
Merlin Shannon
April 24, 2011 | Durand, MI
Fotsch Family,
We are so sorry for the loss of your loved one. You are all in our thoughts and prayers. Just remember you now have a wonderful angel sitting upon all your shoulders watching over you. Our deepest Sympathy.
The Sprinkel Family
Mike, Jeanne, Sydney, Maddy & Weston
Jeanne Sprinkel
April 23, 2011 | Sussex, WI
Dear Geri and Family, Our sympathy to you all as we learned about Bill's death. He and I worked at K&T and then in later years after he had his own company. He was a special person and we have many good memories. Jack and Joan Finley, Waukesha, WI
Jack & Joan Finley
April 22, 2011 | Waukesha, WI
Dear Fotsch Family,
I took care of William in the Cancer Center Lab at Froedtert Hospital. He was a lovely man, and his smile is still fresh in my mind. I enjoyed taking care of him, and enjoyed how he would softly hum a song while I drew his blood, and took his vital signs. He was a favorite patient of mine, and I will miss not seeing him. My prayers are with your family. God Bless
Elissa Dampier
April 22, 2011 | Waukesha, WI
Dear Fotschs'
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I remember many a baseball game on the hill of the "Fotsch yard" and carry that memory to this day. Your Dad was tough but always a gentleman to all of your friends. He, and your families, will be in my prayers.
Gregg Zoller
April 20, 2011 | Pittsburgh, PA