William J. "Bill" Waldhart

William "Bill" J. Waldhart, age 82, passed away on Monday, January 5, 2026, at Cherry Meadows in Appleton. On January 28, 1943, Bill was one of two children (Dick Waldhart) born to Walter and Marie (Kemp) Waldhart.
After Walter's passing, Marie Waldhart married Sylvester Lenz growing the family to 6 additional children.
After graduating from Kimberly High School, Bill then found the love of his life, marrying Joanie Eimer at St. John the Baptist church located in Menasha, WI in 1962.
During his younger years, Bill enjoyed fishing and golfing. In retirement, he attended the Neenah YMCA often and created many friendships from there. Bill also enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in their sporting events as well as watching the Packers, Brewers, and Badgers.
Growing up in a family with eight children, they all became quite close and as adults spent time together going to shows or going on cruises and trips to Las Vegas or to the Oneida Casino.
Bill was known by his neighbors as the Neighborhood Watchdog and was also very witty with a great sense of humor.
Bill will be greatly missed by his children: Brenda (Kim) Bright, Brad (Sharon) Waldhart, and Brian (Jill) Waldhart; his grandchildren: Ryan (Meagan) Bright and baby Bright coming in June, Bright, Lukas (April) Bright, Megan and Allison Waldhart, Jordan (David) Vu, and Luke Waldhart; two great-granddaughters: Bella and Lorelei Bright.
Bill is also survived by Dick (Barb) Waldhart, Carol (Tom) Weyenberg, Nancy (Bill) Bassett, Ron Lenz, (Sharon) Dan (Bev) Lenz, and Ted (Sarah) Lenz; a brother-in-law, Jim Vandenheuvel; as well as his in-laws: Pam Boushley, Robert Boushley, and Bryan Boushley; and many other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, step-father, Sylvester Lenz, and wife, he was preceded in death by his sister, Sandra Vandenheuvel and a sister-in-law, Nancy Lenz.
A Celebration of Life will be held this summer for Bill, please visit the website again to see any updates with times.
Bill's family would like to thank the team at Cherry Meadows for their tender care given to Bill during his short stay, and Kessler Fahrenkrug Funeral home for their guidance and recommendations.