William James Mayew

William “Willie” James Mayew was born on October 18, 1943, to James and Myrna May Mayew in Kenosha, Wisconsin. He attended local schools and graduated from Kenosha High School in 1961. An avid athlete, he played for the Kenosha Pirates semi-professional baseball club before serving in the U.S. Army from 1967 to 1969.

After his military service, he used the GI Bill to attend the University of Wisconsin–Parkside, graduating in 1972. In 1974, he married Marleen Andreucci, and shortly thereafter began the most important chapter of his life—devotion to his growing family. William James Jr. was born in 1974, followed by James Patrick in 1977, Christine Marie in 1979, and Joseph William in 1983.

Willie embarked on a business venture with colleagues Joe Pfeiffer and Ed Schoor from 1974 to 1980, then transitioned to a role at the Great Lakes Naval Training Center as a construction project manager. He later joined Pickus Construction and Equipment, where he worked for the remainder of his career.

After retiring in 2006, Willie and Marleen moved to North Carolina to be closer to family. Bill and Jim had already settled there, and Chrissy had moved to Pensacola, Florida, to coach volleyball and continue her education at the University of West Florida. Joey remained in Milwaukee, where he worked for the Potawatomi Casino.

He was an avid golfer as part of the Sandpiper Dragons Golf Club in Sunset Beach, NC, proud member of VFW Calabash Post #7288, diehard fan of Da Bears and Da Cubs, hosta-loving landscaper, diligent ancestry researcher, but most of all Willie lived to attend his children and grandchildren’s sporting events.

Willie is survived by his wife of 51 years, Marleen; sons Bill (Rebecca), their children, Will III and Ian Mayew; Jim (Stephanie); daughter Chrissy (Bill) Elliott, their children, William Elliott III (Trey) and Peyton Elliott; as well as his sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Karen and Bob Reich.

He was preceded in death by his father, James (1963); his mother, Myrna (1977); and his youngest son, Joseph (2009).

Willie’s roadworthy GMC Canyon found a home with the Vehicles for Veterans. As his final act, “good Will” donated his body to the Anatomical Gifts Program at Duke University’s School of Medicine to advance research and improve patient care. Post-program remains will later be cremated with ashes being placed in Kenosha alongside his parents and son—a heartfelt tribute to the deep family connections he cherished.

Donations to the VFW or a charity of your choice are welcome in his name.