William "Bill" McNinch

William "Bill" McNinch, of Elcho, age 80, died on March 27, 2026 at Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee. He was born on August 7, 1945 in Antigo, a son of Alvin and Alice (Reinke) McNinch. He married Janice Elliott on October 11, 1969 at Holy Family Catholic Church in Elcho. She preceded him in death on July 30, 2014.

Bill was raised in Elcho, graduating with the Elcho Class of 1963. He proudly served in the United States Air Force and was stationed in Amarillo, Texas. Bill worked for the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad for many years, until the tracks were removed and the job would have required him to travel too far from home. He then became a custodian for the Elcho School District and later worked as a security guard at Mole Lake Casino.

Hunting season was likely Bill's nine favorite days of the year. He cherished the time spent with his close friends in the "Flatland Gang" and the memories they created together each season. Bill loved fishing just as much, and it didn't matter if it was open water or ice fishing, from a boat or from shore. A true outdoorsman, he passed his love of hunting and fishing on to his children and grandchildren, teaching them everything he knew.

Bill was also a passionate baseball fan who enjoyed teaching his children how to play the game. He coached the Elcho Baseball Team, while Janice ran concessions and kept score and stats. Many weekends were spent traveling to local fields to play and coach games. He especially loved the Green Bay Packers and the Milwaukee Brewers, a passion he proudly shared with his family.

Survivors include daughter, Patricia (Scott) Wolf-Clemmer of May, TX; son, Kenneth (Jane) McNinch of Antigo; five grandchildren, Ethan Mathis of Charlottesville, VA, Lauren (Chance) Wolf of May, TX, Hailey Jo (Cade) McNinch of Marshfield, Leland Haynes of Antigo, and Sandy (Cole) Kuenzli of Antigo; three great-grandchildren, Kyla, Liam, and Lilian Kuenzli; and honorary son, Patric (Shelly) McCabe of Mosinee; Bill is also survived by many nieces, nephews, in-laws and friends.

In addition to his wife and parents, Bill was preceded in death by a brother in infancy, Alvin McNinch; two sisters, JoAnn Johnson and Nancy Drake; and his father and mother-in-law, Kenneth "Huns" and Elaine Eliott.

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, August 8th. Check back here for more information closer to the celebration.

There's a lot between the lines, but mostly, there's love.