William J. "Bill" Wingen

1934 - 2018

William J. "Bill" Wingen

Neenah - Bill was born December 21, 1934 in Neenah to Karl Joseph and Leona Katherine (Larson) Wingen. He was baptized and confirmed in the Presbyterian Church in Neenah. Most of his life was spent in Neenah except for a few years when his family lived in Greendale.

Bill graduated from Neenah High School in 1953. Immediately he started working for Kimberly Clark at the Badger Globe mill, then transferred to Lakeview Mill. July 10, 1967 he started in the junior trades program to become a converting mechanic, completing the program July 11, 1970. In 1972 he transferred to the Diaper plant, working there until retirement in 1992. In 1953 he became a member of Badger Globe Credit Union and served on the board of directors for many years.

In 1963, Kenny Stafford, a friend and co-worker, asked Bill if he would like a blind date with his wife's sister, Kay, at their 10th class reunion. Little did he know she would be the love of his life and become his wife. They were married June 5, 1965 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Waupaca. As a surprise for Kay, Bill talked to their friend Pastor Josh Sherman, asking him to renew their vows at the Ripon Baptist Church on June 5th, 2015. Their children surprised them with a party June 6 at Cavanaugah Carriages to celebrate their 50th anniversary, with all of their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren present. Both days were very special.

Bill started building model airplanes when he was 12 years old. At age 14, he started building crystal radios. It is a hobby he resumed in 1980 and made hundreds of them. He enjoyed building and racing slot cars. Bill also raised tropical fish for many years. Bill was a group leader at the Boys' Brigade for many years and went to Camp Onaway with them. He enjoyed bicycling on his recumbent bike, riding up to 40 miles on the bike trail with his cousin Tom Blank. He also loved hiking with his son Bill in McGregor, Iowa and LaCrosse.

For many years Bill collected old padlocks. He took a correspondence course from the lock-smithing institute. He learned the art of key making with the help of reference books and practice. Then made keys for many of his padlocks. He learned how to pick locks and impression keys.

Bill and Kay built an A-frame cottage with the help of family and friends on their property in Northland. They spent many weekends and vacations enjoying the quiet nature there. Their dogs loved it there also, going for walks and chasing sticks. The grandchildren enjoyed sledding down the hill and playing hide-and-go-seek. They made many new friends in the area.

Bill and Kay enjoyed volunteering at St. Joseph's food pantry and also enjoyed volunteering at Bethesda for many years. They enjoyed having friends and relatives for supper and a game of cards. Trips to visit friends in Minnesota, camping with Steingraber's and having breakfast at Kristina's in Ripon all were special times.

They also enjoyed hosting exchange students and took several trips to Europe to meet some of their families: Sylvia from Spain, Anu from Finland, Mette from Germany, Luiza from Brazil, Juan from Dominican Republic, Jasmina from Yugoslavia, Aki from Japan, Rudy from Brazil, Caroline from Germany, and Yulia from Ukraine.

He is survived by his loving wife, Kay; and their children of whom he was very proud: Bill, Jr. and wife Barb; Ann Keesler and children, Mike (Amy); Jake (Tara); Marc (Sarah), and William; Kathy and Larry Ciske and their children: John and Aimee (Jason); Penny and Ron Dabill and their children: Josh and Chris (Jenny); Beth and Corey Stamps and their children: Ashley (Travis); Skyelar (Lainie); Emilee (Jake); Aliyah and Abrielle; Yulia and daughter Jasmine; sisters-in-law, Janice Miller; Janice and Kenny Stafford; plus 13 great-grandchildren; numerous friends, and relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; grandparents; a brother, John; father-in-law and mother-in-law; three brothers-in-law; three sisters-in-law; and many loving aunts and uncles with whom he spent a lot of time growing up.

A memorial service for Bill will be held at 4:00 P.M. on Sunday, November 25, 2018 at Neenah's Westgor Funeral Home with Pastor Joshua Sherman officiating. A visitation will be held from 2:00 P.M. until the hour of service.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to St. Jude, or a charity of your choice.

Westgor Funeral Home

205 W. Doty Ave. Neenah 722-7151

Condolences: www.westgorfuneralhomes.com