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William Bongers Obituary
Houston - Age 66 1954 - 2021
It is with great sadness that we announce William "Bill" Bongers of Houston, TX, had passed away on Sunday February 21,2021.
He was born in Little Chute, WI on November 13,1954 the son of Bernard and Helen (Orth) Bongers. When he was an infant Bill was stricken with polio which settled in his left arm. He played football for the Little Chute Mustangs and went on to make the All- Central WI Conference and All-Fox Cities team as an offensive guard in 1973, despite being afflicted with polio in his left arm. He graduated Little Chute High School Class of 1973, graduated from De Vries University and earned his BS degree from Cardinal Stritch College while working a fulltime job at Appleton Papers, Combined Locks. After High School Bill dabbled in a variety of professions, being a DJ for parties, weddings and on the radio, He was among the first to build and install the Valley's first lighted Disco dance floors and he was an expert photographer!
Bill's career included Appleton Papers Combined Locks, WI and Honeywell of Phoenix, AZ and Simpson Tacoma Kraft of Tacoma, WA until joining TAS Energy, Houston, TX. Bill spent the bulk of his career traveling the world as an Electrical/Controls Engineer. No challenge was too small or too difficult.
Of all his accomplishments he felt the most proud of his children and grandchildren. They were the most beloved things in his life!
We will miss Bill and that contagious smile of his!
Bill is survived by his children; Kevin (Maria) Bongers of Minneapolis, MN and Sara (Jake) Westrum of Bemidji, MN; Grandsons: Oliver, Henry and Greyson Westrum of Bemidji, MN
Siblings; Michael (Carol) Bongers of Avon Lake, OH, Thomas Bongers of Little Chute, Kay Bongers of Little Chute, Joan (Pedro) Martinez of Milwaukee, Henry (Donna) Bongers of Janesville, Patricia (Brian) Hanson of Appleton. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews and his extended family of TAS Energy, Houston, TX.
There will be a small Celebration of Life service for immediate family members at St John's Cemetery in Little Chute, WI.
In lieu of flowers as an expression of sympathy the Family welcomes donations to:
Thedacare Family Foundations - Valley Hospice, Little Chute Fire Department or Valley Mounted Volunteers-Search and Rescue
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Bongers
Sponsored by the Appleton Post-Crescent.
5 Entries
CLIFF LAMERS
April 8, 2021
Bill was always a step ahead of us in the technical world as we knew it in high school. He built a complete turntable/mixer from scratch that hosted all of the sock hops. He once built a mechanical strobe light just because he could with some used parts he came across. He was (what I learned to be) a geek before being a geek was genuinely cool. He was cool anyway. Although I hadn't seen him since high school I was looking forward to our 50th class reunion to catch up with him. We will be certain to toast and honor him there.
Kay West
April 8, 2021
He was a good passionate man who I differed with but we always found common ground. And I will miss my friend. I’m glad we got to share Dave Chappelle!!
Harley & Carol Hietpas
April 4, 2021
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Chuck Bongers
April 4, 2021
I only met you twice Bill. If you are anything like your Dad or your family then we are going to be in great shape for the next step. Fair winds and a following sea my friend.
John M Van Lieshout
April 4, 2021
I grew up with Bill on Jackson Street in Little Chute (his house was on Main Street). On our small block, three children contracted polio. Bill was an inspiration. It is hard to fully convey what Bill accomplished with one arm. He didn't just play football; he excelled at football. I will always remember Beanie, Helen, Hank and Bill.
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