William J. “Bill” Hoffman, Appleton, formerly of Gresham, 91, passed away on Monday, Dec. 15, 2014.
Bill dedicated his life to God, country and family. He was born on May 23, 1923, in Indianapolis, Indiana, to Henry and Gertrude (Forster) Hoffman. Bill grew up in the Appleton area, where he graduated from St. Joseph Catholic Grade School, and then from Appleton High School in 1941. Shortly after graduation, Bill joined the Wisconsin Telephone Co., where he spent 41 years until retiring in 1982.
A lifelong patriot that flew the American flag every day, Bill answered his country’s call to military service on Oct. 14, 1942, and served in the U.S. Army until Dec. 31, 1945, during World War II.
On Aug. 21, 1948, Bill married the love of his life, Geraldine “Gerrie” Schabow, at St. Joseph Catholic Church. Bill and Gerrie were soulmates, and enjoyed almost 64 years of marriage. Following Bill’s retirement, Bill and Gerrie built their retirement home on the Lower Red Lake in Gresham. They enjoyed many seasons in Gresham and winters in Florida. Bill was a staunch Catholic, was a daily Communicant for many years, and lived his faith every day. He was an active member of St. Joseph Catholic Church while in Appleton, where he served on multiple committees, was an usher and one of the first Eucharistic ministers. Bill was also a member of St. Francis Solanus Catholic Church while he lived in Gresham.
He was very proud of the 1930 Model A that he restored, and was a member of the local Model A Ford Club. Bill was also a member of the Knights of Columbus Council 607, the Allouez Assembly of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, the Harvey Pierre VFW Post 2778, the Gresham Lions Club and the Wisconsin Telephone Pioneers.
Bill is survived by “his three girls,” Therese “Tese” (Dennis) Pullman, of Kimberly, Lynn (Gary) Bayness, of Appleton, and Mary Kris “Krisi” (Dan) Burich, of Colorado Springs, Colorado; four grandchildren, Tricia Harlow, of Little Chute, Nancy (David) Wilcox, of Shiocton, Maj. William “Bill” (Crystal) Burich, U.S. Air Force, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Molly Burich, of Princeton, New Jersey; seven great-grandchildren, Brandon and Stephanie Harlow, Sydney, Cole and Bennett Wilcox, Caden and Hailey Burich; sister-in-law, Elayne Schabow, of Appleton; and many nieces and nephews.
Bill was preceded in death by “his bride” as he always called Gerrie, in July 2012; his parents; his “kid sister,” Germaine (Carl) Forslund; brothers-in-law, Stuart (Hatie) Schabow, Lloyd “Lefty” Schabow and Arthur Schabow Jr.
The funeral liturgy for Bill will be held at 3:15 pm Monday, Dec. 22, 2014, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 410 W. Lawrence St., Appleton, with military honors to follow with the VFW Post 2778. The Rev. John Holly, a close family friend for over 34 years, and Deacon C.F. Dedman will be officiating. Burial will take place at the parish cemetery. A visitation will be held on Monday at the church from 1:15 pm until the time of Mass.
Online condolences can be offered at www.wichmannfargo.com.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorials be directed to a memorial fund which is being established.
We would like to thank the staff and management at Brewster Village for their care and compassion. Your were a great Dad and you always said, “Life is like a jug — you get out of it exactly what you put into it.” You will live always in our hearts. You were truly a member of the greatest generation.
Wichmann Funeral Home, 537 N. Superior St., Appleton, WI 54911. 920-739-1231