Billy D Whitrock

Bill Whitrock, age 88, of Wisconsin Rapids passed away peacefully on Friday September 22, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family.
Visitation, memorial service and luncheon will be held at the Herman Taylor Funeral home, 2201 Chestnut Street, Wisconsin Rapids on Friday September 29, 2023. Visitation for family and friends will begin at 9 am until the time of service at 11am. Pastor Preston Tippen of North Ridge Church, Marshfield, will be presiding over the service. Luncheon will be served following the service. The graveside service will then take place at St. John's Lutheran Cemetery in Kellner.
Bill was born in Wisconsin Rapids on December 17th 1934, to Darrell and Margaret (Bates) Whitrock. Bill was married to Elaine (Witte) on April 7th, 1956. During their marriage of an amazing 57 years they were blessed with 2 children and 6 grandchildren.
Following Elaine's passing in 2013, Bill was reconnected with life-long friend Rita (Pearson) the couple became united in marriage on March 13, 2018 and have enjoyed a short 5 years together.
In his professional life, Bill was employed as an automotive and small engine repair specialist and later a machinist. However, his most notable repair work took place after hours in his own garage, where nearly every car, motorcycle, snowmobile or lawn tractor of the neighborhood would visit at one time or another! Bill was willing to take on even the most challenging of projects to help out a friend or neighbor. His determination kept the garage lights burning long after dark, and he was always accompanied by friends and young men of the neighborhood who were motivated to watch and learn as he worked.
Bill lived by two unwritten rules:
Never surrender something that is broken to a repair shop if you can fix it yourself.
Never buy any item that you could build on your own.
Bill mostly loved creating toys and other playthings for his children and grandchildren, such as go-carts, swivel bikes, bottle rockets, stained glass airplane kaleidoscopes and even Stomp Fiddles!
Throughout his life, Bill also enjoyed camping, fishing and making memories around the campfire. For several years he took on the hobby of metal detecting in search of lost or buried treasures. Later, Bill developed an incredible talent for stained glass art, gifting numerous stunning pieces to his friends and family.
Bill is survived by his loving wife, Rita Whitrock; his daughters, Tracy Eklund and Patty (Timm) Mews; Bill's stepchildren, Sandy (Jerry) Klingforth, Pam (Dave) Klingforth, Amy (Kevin) Hanneman, and Jerry (Aileen) Goodwin; Bill's grandchildren, Elliot Eklund, Spencer Eklund, Isaac Eklund, Zachariah Mews, Erin Mews, and Amy Mews; Bill's step-grandchildren Jeran (Michelle) Goodwin, Jayleen (Mike) Aivalotis, J.J. (Dennis Garton) Klingforth, Kellie (Chad) Jensen, Travis (Rachel) Klingforth, Christine Olson along with 13 step-great-grandchildren; Bill's sister, Barbara Starcher.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Elaine (Witte) Whitrock; his parents, Darrell and Margaret Whitrock; his brother, Robert Whitrock; his sister, Susan McDaniel; and a step-grandchild, Chad Olson-Klingforth.
The family would like to express their grateful appreciation to staff of ProMedica Hospice for the wonderful care that Bill received. Special thanks to Betsy for her kind and gracious attention, Bill always enjoyed your time together.