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William Wanamaker Obituary
Dr. William Wanamaker, age 77 of Neenah, died unexpectedly Tuesday, May 31, 2016. He was born September 30th, 1938, in Seattle, Washington to Clarence Ira and Grace Wanamaker. The family lived in Oak Harbor, Washington, and William attended high school at Seattle Prep for three years before graduating from Oak Harbor High School.
William attended the University of Washington and was a member of the Husky rowing team. He went on to Creighton Medical School in Omaha, graduating in 1964. It was at Creighton where William met his future bride, Sonja Jane Recker. They were married in 1962. William completed his residency at University Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin. He was commissioned into the Air Force in 1968 and served as a Medical Officer until 1970.
After his service, William taught at the University of Wisconsin School of Medicine. In 1976, William and his family moved to Omaha, Nebraska, where he worked at area hospitals. The Wanamakers moved to De Pere, Wisconsin in 1979, where he joined a local practice, Neurology Associates. He practiced neurology in Northeast Wisconsin and Upper Michigan until retiring in 1998.
William enjoyed sailing, hunting and fishing, woodworking, making boats, and spending time with his family. Gardening was a passion, and William helped found the Green Bay Botanical Garden and served on its board for several years.
He is survived by his wife, Sonja Jane; his son Tom (Janet) of Neenah; daughter Anne Yazek (John) of Fitchburgh, WI; son John (Lisa Erb) of Minneapolis, MN; and grandchildren: Daniel, Maddie, and Alina. He is preceded in death by his sisters: Barbara (Tom) King, and Polly (Ira) French.
A memorial service will be held later this summer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Green Bay Botanical Garden.
Westgor Funeral Home
205 W. Doty Ave.
Neenah 722-7151
Online Condolences:
www.westgorfuneralhomes.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Wanamaker
Sponsored by Westgor Funeral Home - Neenah.
Arthur, Martha Young
August 10, 2016
From Jane and Bill's Kentucky friends, we cherish memories of many good times in Kentucky and Wisconsin, Bill lives on in our memories. The Johnson and Young families.
Mary Carlson
June 6, 2016
Sorry to hear about Bill's passing. He will be missed. Lots of good memories about him.
Jim and Sue Vine
June 4, 2016
Condolences to Dr. Wanamaker's family, especially, Tom and his family.
June 3, 2016
My sincere condolences to the Family of DR. Wanamaker. We first met the Doctor when my daughter, Karen suffered a cardiac arrest in 1979 after a car accident. Karen was 17 at the time and DR. Wanamaker saved her life. He didn't give up. He gave us hope. He was truly an incredible person and treated us like we were the only ones who mattered. Our thoughts and prayers are with your Family at this sad time. Shirley & Karen Doepker Seymour Wi.
Judi and Ray kopish
June 2, 2016
We were so saddened to hear of Bill's passing. It was my true honor to work as his nurse for many years. I was indeed fortunate to watch his dedicated service to his patients and his employees. I have always respected and admired him as a physician and as a good friend. Our thoughts are with Jane, Tom, Anne and John and their family members.
Dave J
June 2, 2016
Dr. Wanamaker was very helpful with my wife's MS and understanding the effects it had on her and the family. A very compassionate man and will be missed.
Adam Carter
June 2, 2016
I worked with John in Minneapolis for several years and remember him often talking fondly of his dad. My condolences to the entire Wanamaker family.
Michelle Roznowski
June 2, 2016
Our heartfelt sympathy to your family. I worked in neurology since 1978 and always had the utmost respect for Dr Wanamaker's honesty and knowledge of medicine along with so many other subjects.
* Just finished reading "The Boys in the Boat" and am surprised to hear Dr Wanamaker was a rowing Husky.
* I always admire him for working at the free clinic after his retirement.
*smelled a cigar the other day and thought of him.
* so many fond memories
Sincerely,
Michelle and Thomas Roznowski
June 2, 2016
Always enjoyed Bill's expertise and help during my practice years (1982-2006) and also at the Free Clinic, as well as discussing the numerous fishing stories, as we were both fly-fishers. Bill's death is a great loss, and we may never see his like again. Our deepest sympathy.
Alan & Cindy Finesilver
Ed Byrne
June 2, 2016
I am very sorry to hear of your father's death, Tom. He made a difference in the lives of so many people as a physician; you have done the same as a teacher and coach. May your memories of him be a daily blessing.
James Wiltzius
June 2, 2016
I had the pleasure of getting to know Bill after his retirement, so called retirement as he did many things for many people and organizations.
He was one of the card playing group at the Brown County Sportsman club. I shot, went fishing, and just B.S. with him on those occasions.
Great Doctor and even a better person. Bill, you will be missed!
Jane and the rest of the family, very
sorry for your lose.
June 2, 2016
Sorry to hear of your loss Tom. Our condolences.
Pao & Family
June 2, 2016
Our most sincere condolences to your family. I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Wanamaker for many years at Neurology Consultants and in both Bellin and St. Vincent hospitals as a nurse. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. Jim and Terry Nault
June 2, 2016
Oh my goodness, a third-generation rower! Maddie, you will have an extra member on your crew this summer. What a fascinating life story. I am so sad you lost this special man is such a tragic accident. Love always for your super cool family, Gina and The Larsens
Charlene Jaeger
June 2, 2016
My deepest sympathies on your loss. When I suffered a brain aneurysm, Dr. Wanamaker was the first neurologist to see me. He was a wonderful doctor and, as he cared for me until my surgery, a wonderful person. The world is a better place because of Dr. Wanamaker. May God bless you in your time of sorrow.
Jim and Dixie Tubbs
June 2, 2016
Jane and family. You have our deepest sympathy. Jim enjoyed working with Bill on the Botanical Garden's Tuesday morning volunteer crew. Jim and Dixie Tubbs
Robin & Dave Daughenbaugh
June 2, 2016
Our thought and prayers are with the family. Hugs to everyone, esp Ann, John, and Alina.
Marcy Brolin
June 2, 2016
Sending my deepest sympathy and sorry to hear of your loss! Have many memories while he practiced at St. Vincent's. Am one of the Nurses in our great Neuro program!
Dave & Paula Kaufman
June 1, 2016
We were saddened to hear of Bill's passing. Our prayers are with his family.
Lee Somerville
June 1, 2016
I'm so very sad to hear of Bill's unexpected death. My thoughts are with Jane and all the family. He will be greatly missed.
Chanteas Jackson
June 1, 2016
My prayers are with the family members of Dr. William Wanamaker. May The Lord bring peace to Jane, Tom, and the rest of the entire family.
June 1, 2016
Janet and family, you are in my thoughts and prayers! teri bowman
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