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BORN
1927
DIED
2022
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William Wilms Obituary
William H. Wilms
Oct. 18, 1927 - Apr. 16, 2022
SOMERS - William H. Wilms "Bill" was born to eternal life on April 16, 2022, in Somers, Wisconsin.
Bill was born October 18, 1927, in Neenah, WI, as the third of eight children to Forrest and Lavina (nee: Andersen) Wilms.
He was raised in Neenah and attended Lake View Elementary School which was a one-room schoolhouse and ultimately graduated from Neenah High School in 1945. He then attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, achieving his bachelor's degree in Mathematics. He moved to Baton Rouge, Louisiana for a year while attending LSU on a National Science Foundation Scholarship, where he earned a master's degree in Mathematics. He then moved and spent his adult life in Racine, Wisconsin.
Bill proudly served our nation as a member of the US Navy in 1946 at the end of WWII, and again in the Army from 1950 to 1952 during the Korean Conflict; he was also a member of the Army Reserves until 1957.
Bill worked as a grower at Kraemer Greenhouses in Neenah. After he moved to Racine, Bill taught mathematics at Mitchell Jr. High School, and later at Case High School from the time it was built in 1966 up until his retirement in 1998.
He enjoyed golfing and gardening and was happy to share the produce and flowers of his husbandry with his friends and neighbors; Bill was particularly proud of the variety of fruit trees in his garden. He was a longtime member of the Christ Church United Methodist Congregation in Racine and was an active participant in the Racine Dairy Statesmen & Church Singers group; he also sang in Racine's Salvation Army Chorus, sharing the gift of music and God's love with nursing home residents.
Bill is survived by his daughters: Karen (Larry) Lehner, Linda (Joe) Moffitt, and Barbara (Mike) Homolka; his seven grandchildren: Andrew Lehner, Jennifer (Lehner) Wengrzyn, Jesse Moffitt, Joshua Moffitt, William Moffitt, Robert Moffitt, and Timothy Moffitt; five great-grandchildren: Landon Moffitt, Ella Moffitt, Joe Moffit, Aubrey Wengrzyn, and Daniel Moffitt; two brothers: Phillip Wilms and Samuel Wilms; one sister, Kathleen (Wilms) Eger; as well as many nieces; nephews; and longtime friends.
Along with his parents, Bill was preceded in death by two sisters: E. Joyce Reid, and P. Elaine Sorenson, and two brothers: Sheldon and Wallace Wilms.
Funeral services for Mr. Wilms were held privately. Interment with full military honors followed in West Lawn Memorial Park.
The family has suggested memorials in Bill's name to Hospice Alliance, 10220 Prairie Ridge Boulevard, Pleasant Prairie, Wisconsin 53158.
"Music is a passion of mine, but I feel I was put on earth to help people and I strive to do that every day in some small way." William H. Wilms
DRAEGER-LANGENDORF
FUNERAL HOME & CREMATORY
4600 COUNTY LINE ROAD
262-552-9000
Memories and Condolences
for William Wilms
5 Entries
Jodi Fidler
May 18, 2022
I was saddened to learn of the death of one of my favorite teachers, Mr. Wilms. He was always so kind and patient with me as math could be struggle. He was always helpful and encouraging. I never forgot that. My sympathies to his family.
Chaplain Bob Duthie
April 26, 2022
Bill was a wonderful and delightful person. I loved it when he would come by my office and we would engage in such interesting conversation. Bill had so many talents and fascinating stories of the road.
May the Lord Bless you and Keep Bill.
Kathy Paulson Waters
April 26, 2022
My sympathies to the family of Nr Wilma. Mr W was my algebra teacher at Starbuck Jr High. I really like his class and manner of teaching. Math remained my favorite subject through high school. Rest In Peace Mr Wilms
The Salvation Army of Racine
April 26, 2022
William was a wonderful blessing to The Salvation Army chorus singers. He will be greatly missed! He sang with the singers for many years every Tuesday afternoon. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in the loss of your father and grandfather.
With prayers,
The Salvation Army Officers, Staff and Volunteers
Linda (Tryba) Vanderhoef
April 24, 2022
Karen,
"May the memory of your bring you comfort and peace." Recently I told someone I suffered through Geometry in order to take Trig. Told person I barely squeaked by Trig. However, much to my surprise my mom passed 11/2021 & I found my report cards. I rec´d a "B". I remember Trig being difficult. But your dad always had a kind word & smile. Linda
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Draeger-Langendorf Funeral Home & Crematory4600 County Line Rd., Mount Pleasant, WI 53403
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