William Melvin Atzen
November 26, 1942 - January 26, 2017
Obituary
MONONA-Our hero and beloved father, William Melvin Atzen, age 74, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017. He was born on Nov. 26, 1942, in Chicago to Melvin and Irene Atzen. He graduated from Abbotsford High School, and then joined the U.S. Army National Guard in 1960. Bill trained at Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri and Fort Sill in Oklahoma. From 1961-62, he served during the Berlin Crisis in Fort Lewis, Washington. In 1964, he graduated from the Wausau Technical Institute (now Northcentral Technical College). Bill worked at Consoweld Plastics in Wisconsin Rapids from 1964-66. He then spent a 38-year career in the UW-System, retiring in 2005 as the Controller and Risk Manager of UW-Extension, and Controller-Emeritus. During retirement, he was a Courier for First Business Bank in Madison. Bill served as president of the Monona Lions Club for several years where he enjoyed entertaining his friends as Carnac the Magnificent at special events. He loved to make people laugh. Bill later joined the Cottage Grove Lions Club. He received the Lions Club "Melvin Jones Fellow Award" for dedicated humanitarian services. Bill is survived by the love of his life and wife of 44 years, Janice (Zuber); daughters, Shelley Atzen Miller, Sherry Atzen, and Sarah Atzen; grandchildren, Alex Anderson and Madi Miller; sisters, Linda Atzen-Sprengel and Nancy Atzen; sister-in-laws and brother-in-laws, Dorothy and Arlen Milestone, John and Karen Zuber, Darlene Cormier, Howard Sprengel and Ken Riegert; many nieces and nephews; and our sweet dog of 14 years, Teddy. He was preceded in death by his parents, Melvin and Irene (Winchell) Atzen; sister, Betty Riegert, and godmother, Aunt Margaret Johnson. Bill was a rock to his daughters and wife. He loved all Wisconsin sports, especially the Badgers and Packers. One of his favorite hobbies was researching and following the NFL Draft. He also loved March Madness. Bill was a voracious reader of newspapers and books, especially on the subjects of politics and history. He spent many happy retirement days at his lake house with his family. In more recent years, he looked forward to Thursday lunches with his buddies. A lover of people, Bill helped anyone who asked. Known for his positive attitude, giving nature, memorable stories, and wonderful sense of humor, he will be missed by all who knew or talked to him. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association and Dane County Humane Society. A private service will be held on Thursday, Feb. 2, 2017, at Gunderson Funeral Home. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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Memories
BP
Brenda Paske-Bloom
Other •
Words cannot express how sorry we are to hear of your loss. Our deepest sympathy & thoughts are with you & your family.
Love,
Jeff & Brenda Bloom
GP
Gary Prisbe
Other •
My sincere condolence to the Atzen family for your loss. I had the pleasure to work closely with Bill in our respective positions within the UW System. I always found him to be collegial, friendly, funny and very competent. 74 is just too soon! I was also delighted to read that he was a dog lover, as am I, and will make a donation to Dane County Humane Society in his honor and name.
Gary Prisbe
GK
George Ketterer
Other •
So sorry to hear about Bill, and my sincere condolences to his family. Bill was one of my first co-workers at the UW when I started in 1967--always helpful, friendly with a great sense of humor. He will be missed by a lot of people. George Ketterer, Controller Emeritus, UW System.
AZ
Anita Zuber
Other •
You're in our thoughts in prayers. Love Jeff & Anita Zuber and family.
CM
Chuck McConnell
Other •
So sorry to hear of Bill's passing, way too young. Although I didn't work with Bill directly I heard many times from those that did that he was great to work with and highly respected. I worked with Shelley for many years and also got to know Sherry. My heart goes out to them in their lost. I met Janice many years ago and in Bill she found the love of her life. To all my thought and prays are with you. I know Bill let a mark on all he touched. Chuck McConnell, Assistant Vice President Emeritus, UW System
DA
Denny Ward and Jim Anhalt
Other •
Dear Janice and Family:
May the peace of God be with you and your family during this time of loss of your loved one and pillar of strength to your family. We share your grief and offer our deepest condolences. We were both fortunate to have known and worked with Bill for many years and to have spent many hours together at UW Extension, UW Colleges or UW System Meetings and events, as well as many hours on the golf course on Saturday mornings, etc. Bill was a great friend and colleague who always found time to challenge our humor with a new joke or an old story. He was also very proficient at his work. We are both proud to make a memorial contribution to the American Heart Association in memory of Bill. We know that Bill would want you all to be strong during this time of grief and loss and to carry on with life's duties and responsibilities.
Sincerely,
Jim Anhalt and Denny Ward
UW Colleges