Appleton - William James Geenen, Jr. age 85, of Appleton, passed away peacefully at his home on June 11, 2018, from complications due to cancer. Bill was born in Whitefish Bay, Wisconsin on February 13, 1933, to the late William James and Phoebe (Ciscel) Geenen Sr. with a family of sisters Doris (Graf) and Barbara (Smith) and brother David. On September 4, 1957, he was united in marriage to Mary Helen Knorr in Menasha. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary last year. Bill graduated from Appleton West High School (1951) and the University of Wisconsin-Madison (1957). He was a Veteran of the United States Army after two years of service (1953-55). He had two major careers: In retail, Bill worked for J.C. Penney's and Montgomery Wards, and as a fast-food entrepreneur, he was a part-owner and manager for the Northland Tom's Drive-In.
As part of his career in retail, Bill and the family lived in Appleton, Albert Lea, MN, Dubuque, IA, Bismarck, ND, and Tempe, AZ. Bill was USTA Team Tennis League Director and a player for the Northeastern Wisconsin League during the first five years of its existence (1980-85). Bill and Mary were long-time members of the Fox Cities Racquet Club where they played and socialized for decades. His favorite vacation spot was Hilton Head, South Carolina where there was always a tennis game or a shrimp boil going on. Bill was a life-time Badger, suffering through the years of mediocrity and took pride in the rejuvenation of UW athletics. He often told the story of how he bought a discounted ticket as a service veteran to the 1955 Major League Baseball All-Star game in Milwaukee County Stadium and watched Stan Musial hit his walk-off 12th inning home run and became a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan ever after. Bill was famous for his George Costanza-like financial calculations, which included wanting to keep his obituary as short as possible, but was also generous to friends and family in need.
Bill is survived by wife Mary, sons Hugh, Brad and Stuart, daughters-in-law Joy (Wilson) Geenen and Sara Hospador, grandchildren Brett, Natalie (Brian Anderson), Clayton and Sophia, and great-granddaughter Averie Wendy (Anderson).
Preceded in death by brother David, daughter-in-law, Wendy (Kloes) and parents William, Sr. and Phoebe.
A private family gathering will be held in the near future. The public remembrance is scheduled for Sunday, June 24th, between 1 and 3 p.m. at the Lake Park Crossing Office Community Room, 3135 E. Lake Park Crossing, Appleton. The family would like to especially thank the ThedaCare hospice staff Joan, Amy, Heidi, Beth, Ida and Nicole for their professionalism and compassionate care at the end of Bill's life.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Sponsored by Brettschneider-Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel - Appleton.
4 Entries
Mary, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. You two always seemed like the perfect couple at FCRC.
Sending prayers and hugs to you and your family.
Jane Coenen
June 18, 2018
Condolences to Mary and the Geenen family, sorry to read about Bill. WE enjoyed the times we spent together golfing and having Friday fish.
Jim & Judy Schulze
June 17, 2018
To the family,you are not alone during this time of sorrow and pain. May God give your family strength and comfort to help you endure this loss. As you remember your beloved one, may the God of peace give you comfort and peace in every way. May you find Strength from the love and care that surrounds you and comfort from the memories that you shared. Please accept my sincere condolences. 2 Thessalonians 3:16
June 15, 2018
My sincere condolences go out to you and your family. Please know you are not alone during this difficult time. May the God of comfort continue to be with you and make you firm. 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17
Megan
June 15, 2018
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 results
Funeral services provided by:
Brettschneider-Trettin-Nickel Funeral Chapel - Appleton606 North Oneida St., Appleton, WI 54911
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more