William J Popkey

William J. Popkey, 80, of Marinette passed away on Saturday, July 27, 2024, at Aurora BayCare in Green Bay. He was born on September 23, 1943, to the late Gilbert and Eleanor (Ryan) Popkey in Marinette. He graduated from Catholic Central High School in 1962 and went on to UW Milwaukee. On February 26, 1966, William married Rose Marie Bernhardt at St. Anne's Church in Menominee. In May of 1966, William was drafted into the US Army during the Vietnam War. He and his family lived in Germany for a year and a half. Following service, they moved back to Marinette and resided here for eleven years. In 1979, they moved to California where he owned and operated a radio and TV business. In 2011, he retired and he and his wife moved back to Marinette. William enjoyed skiing, sailing, golfing, going on cruises and taking his motorcycle out for rides. He and Rose Marie crossed the US many times on the bike and Sturgis was an annual event for 25 years.
William is survived by his wife of 58 years, Rose Marie Popkey; sons, Billy and Christopher all of Marinette; grandchildren: Hailee, Chris, and Hunter of Phoenix; brother, Daniel (Holly) Popkey of DePere; and sister, Judith "Dolly" Jonas of Milwaukee. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, Timothy.
A Celebration of Life will be held at the family home on Sunday, August 4th from 1-5pm. Thielen Funeral Home is assisting the family.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to further research for Multiple Myeloma, to MMRF.