William Carl Gaedke

William Carl Gaedke passed away peacefully on Tuesday, July 15th 2025 at Rennes Health Center in Peshtigo. He was born to William and Lena (Fenner) Gaedke on August 31, 1931. His mother, Lena, died of pneumonia in 1933, when Bill was only 18 months old. Lena's youngest sister, Elizabeth, then moved in with the family to help care for young Bill. In 1934, she and Bill's dad were married. Elizabeth, Bill's aunt, then became his stepmother, but to Bill, she was always MOM.
Bill graduated from Peshtigo High School in 1950 and in July of that year, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he proudly served until 1954. On February 19, 1955, he married the former Dorothy Jeske, who preceded him in death on June 21, 1996. Bill was an employee of Badger Paper Mills beginning in June of 1950, returning after his service in the Navy, and continuing until retirement in August of 1993. His final position was millwright leadman in the Pulp Mill. Bill enjoyed golfing, playing dartball, bowling, and his membership in the Badger Paper Mills Retiree Club. He was a twenty-year member of the Peshtigo Fire Department and was a lifetime member of Zion Lutheran Church in Peshtigo, where he was baptized, confirmed and married. As a veteran, he participated in an Old Glory Honor Flight in October of 2016 along with his friend, Dick Spangenberg. This trip was one of the highlights of his retirement years.
Bill is survived by his loving companion of more than twenty-six years, Marie Finger, a son and daughter-in-law, Larry and Terri Gaedke of Phoenix, AZ, a step-son, Jim Jeske of Peshtigo, two granddaughters, Alison (Matt) Christian, and Lauren (Brian) Trader. He is further survived by five great-grandchildren, Brodie, Camden, Madison, Mason, and Alex. In addition, he is survived by two sisters-in-law, Joyce Nesberg and Patricia Jeske, brother-in-law, Merle Bourassa, and many nieces and nephews.
He is preceded in death by his wife, Dorothy, a sister, Gertrude (Harvey) Skowlund, two infant sisters, Agnes and Geraldine, an infant half-brother, John, a half-sister, Helen Bourassa, and his wife's siblings and their spouses.
The family will have a private graveside ceremony at Riverside Cemetery in Peshtigo at a later date. Berth and Rosenthal Funeral Home is assisting the family.