William H. Woodbridge

William Howard Woodbridge, 87, of Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, passed away at his residence on Friday, January 3, 2025. 

He was born on August 1, 1937, in L’Anse, Michigan to Earnest John and Cora Esther (Irwin) Woodbridge, the youngest of 6 siblings. He attended Graveraet High School in Marquette, Michigan and joined the US Navy after graduation. After leaving the Navy, he met his wife, Arlene Joyce Steinberger, also of Marquette, and they married on August 6, 1960. He continued with his education at Northern Michigan University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. Using that degree, he began his career teaching physics and mathematics at the high school level. The couple relocated to several different cities, including Green Bay, Wisconsin, Wyandotte, Michigan, and Appleton, Wisconsin as he worked in different teaching positions. However, after accepting a job with AC/Delco working in the Information Technology field, they settled in Cudahy, Wisconsin in 1969 where they raised their three children. 

Bill enjoyed spending time with his family, camping in the summers at Jellystone Park, and supporting his children by volunteering with the band boosters and attending the many concerts and contests throughout their school aged years. He enjoyed a number of hobbies, including Friday night bowling leagues, racquet ball leagues and playing golf. He particularly enjoyed listening to live Dixieland Jazz on the weekends. He also enjoyed spending time outdoors grouse hunting with his dog Molly, deer hunting with friends, as well as spending time brook trout fishing in the streams of the Upper Peninsula. On many days, you would also find him sitting outdoors with his dog Molly, listening to the radio with either a Brewer game on, or just some good music, no matter how cold it was. He also loved anything to do with the railroad and trains and would collect the model trains that brought him back to his youth in Marquette where his father was employed as a conductor with the Duluth, South Shore, and Atlantic Railroad.

He and his wife also spent many years traveling to Sanibel Island during the spring where Bill enjoyed fishing off the shores of the gulf, and shell hunting along the beaches. They enjoyed their time in the sun with their Florida friends! 

Bill moved into Memory Care facility in Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, the last few years where he could be closer to family. He will be missed by many that knew and loved him.

He is survived by his wife of 65 years, Arlene Woodbridge, his three children, Brian (Kristina) Woodbridge, Lynn (Steven) Klinger, and Sue (Terry) Bay. His grandchildren, Allison (Jacob) Powers, Sarah (Coty) Hainsey, Jacob Bay, Emily Morgan (Fiancée of Jacob Bay), Corey (Amanda) Klinger, Erin Klinger, Sean Klinger, Jasmina (Hunter) Giarrusso, Samual Woodbridge, Jameson Woodbridge, and his great grand daughter, Natalie Joyce Hainsey. His sister-in-law, Marie Taylor, and brother-in-law Paul (Jan) Steinberger. Also many nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held Friday, January 10, 2025 from 10:00 am until 11:30 am at the Winn Cress Funeral Home, 5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee, WI  53597, a service will follow at 11:30 am at the funeral home.  A luncheon will follow at the Waunakee Village Center.  All are welcome to attend.  

“Eternal rest grant unto him O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May the souls of all the faithfully departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace” – Amen

Please share your memories of Bill here on his tribute wall. 

Winn-Cress Funeral & Cremation Service

5785 Hwy Q, Waunakee

(608) 849-4513