William Kean

MADISON - As his favorite author Rosemary Sutcliff would have put it, William W. Kean, 95, went “into the West beyond the Sunset” on October 28, 2025. He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Sydney C. Kean. He is survived by his son, William A. “Billy” (Julie) Kean of Madison. A devoted husband and loving father, his uncompromising attitude and unique sense of humor made an indelible impression on all who knew him.

Known to some as “Bill” and to others as “Doc,” he was born in McGregor, Iowa, in 1930. Despite growing up in the Depression, Bill had great memories of small town life that included rambling the bluffs around the town and fishing on the Mississippi River. Bill’s family moved to Madison when he was in his teens, and he graduated from Madison East High School in 1948.  After high school, Bill attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he earned a bachelor’s degree and teaching certification. Throughout his life, Bill also earned his master’s and doctorate degrees in education at the University.

Bill began his career as an educator in Milton, WI. Here he met Sydney, who was also a teacher. He had fond memories of teaching there and remained in contact with some of his students for many years. In the 1950s he joined the Wisconsin National Guard. He was proud of his service, and ultimately attained the rank of Master Sergeant.

Over the course of his career, Bill worked as a teacher, principal, and superintendent of schools at several districts in Wisconsin. In the final portion of his career, he served as superintendent of the Suring School District. In addition to performing the duties of the district administrator, he still found time to teach high school Latin- making him one of the only superintendents still teaching in the classroom at the time.

No one dared to suggest that Latin was a “dead” language in Bill’s presence. He was an outspoken champion of Latin education and seldom went anywhere without a Latin-themed button pinned to his ever-present sport coat. He was a proud member of the Wisconsin Latin Teachers Association (WLTA) and the Wisconsin Association of Foreign Language Teachers (WAFLT) and served as president of both these organizations at different times. In 2005 Bill received a Special Service Award from the Classical Association of the Middle West and South (CAMWS) for contributions “above and beyond the call of duty for the profession or for the promotion of Latin in CAMWS territory.” Until its dissolution, Bill was also a member of the Madison chapter of Phi Delta Kappa, and held several offices-including president-in this organization as well.

Bill believed strongly in the importance of a well-rounded liberal arts education, but he was also a strong advocate for all aspects of the secondary school experience. As a former colleague of his once wrote: “Dr. Kean was truly all about the students at Suring, never missing a chance to watch their activities-academic, music, or athletic-and always making sure a note was given to the advisor or coach the next day thanking them for their efforts.”

Bill had a wide range of interests beyond education. He was a dedicated jogger well into his 70s, and participated in many running events throughout his life. In 1986 he completed the Chicago Marathon. Bill also enjoyed fishing. In retirement, he spent many hours fishing the Wisconsin-Iowa boundary waters in the company of Billy and Billy’s father-in-law, Jack Davidson. Bill was a dedicated fan of UW athletics; he particularly enjoyed cheering on the football, volleyball, and men’s basketball teams. He had a nearly encyclopedic knowledge of baseball, and was an unwavering, unapologetic Chicago White Sox fan. Bill was also a dog lover. Although he and Sydney never got another dog after the death of their beloved bullmastiff Squire, Bill enjoyed spending time with Billy and Julie’s dogs throughout the years-and even learned to love his “grand cats.” Bill and Sydney attended many concerts, plays, and lectures at the UW; they also enjoyed auditing college courses, and were still doing so in their 80s.

Bill was never afraid to express his opinion-whether positive or negative-about anything. He could be an outspoken champion or a vociferous opponent, but people always knew where he stood. This was never more evident than in 2017, when he became vehemently opposed to the proposed ATC power line through the Driftless Area. Though walking and driving were becoming more difficult, Bill insisted on attending rallies and meetings in person. When he believed in something, Bill showed up.

Bill and Sydney gave generously-and anonymously-to many charities, non-profits, and community-based organizations. Those wishing to honor Bill may make a donation in his name to an organization that focuses on children, animals, or literacy education.

For their friendship and support over the years, Billy and Julie would like to thank the following people: Robert Jossie and his family, Lani and Ron Denu, and Kate Gossfeld.

Once again, Billy and Julie want to state their appreciation for the staff at Bristol Hospice who worked tirelessly to make Bill as comfortable as possible in his final days.

To honor Bill, a celebration of life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, at 12:30 p.m. on Friday May 1, 2026.

Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420