William M. Waters

Bill Waters made the world a better place because he was in it. A good man! He was a neighbor and lived about a mile from our farm. I got to know Bill through his brother Mike and his wife Barb, who shared my passion for horses. Bill was one of those guys you could see at Kwik Trip and he always had time to catch up with what was going on in each person's life. I had put hay up on our farm for thirty plus years since I was a high school teacher and had some free time during the summer. Once, Bill, drove up to help me cut a hay field and I was cutting about twice as fast as Bill. I stopped and asked him what gear he was in and said, "move up about two gears higher." I explained that the crop was not that heavy and that the haybine could certainly handle that speed. He was so proud of his John Deere tractor and rightfully so. I'm sorry that I didn't buy his haybine a few years ago when he had it for sale! Bill was a nice guy who a person could count on to come running if you needed something. He was always busy, doing something for his family or someone else. One of those people who make you feel good that you knew him. My best wishes to the family and close friends who will miss him forever. He was special! Jean Hanson Century Trout Farm

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Water's extended family. Bill was a good man taken way too soon.

Ryan and I were so very sorry to hear about Bill. He will be in our thoughts and prayers. Our hearts go out to Mike and Barb.

Bill was a big part of the Cherokee family and I've missed seeing him around since he retired. He was a kind soul. Peace to the Waters family.

So Sorry to hear about the loss of a very special person that I feel so fortunate to call my friend. My deepest sympathy goes out to Sue and all his family. Bill ran our machine shop as we built laminators for Pro-Tech and GBC. I would always look forward to spending as much time in his shop as possible. He impressed me with his knowledge of machining and I learned so much from him. He set the example of how to take care of your tools and equipment. We shared a love for trucks, cars and especially farm equipment. Bill took great care and joy in an older piece of farm equipment, often making it work and look better than new. I remember talking about farm equipment my Father-In-Law would buy at auctions then resell. One day I told Bill about a nice John Deere 3010 he had bought that needed some transmission work. After much discussion and questions he only saw the tractor through my eyes don't even think he saw a picture of it. He trusted me enough and said he wanted to buy it sight unseen. He knew it was a good deal and that he could fix it. I remember the day we delivered it from middle of Wisconsin to his house on all the back roads. Bill said if you have room on the trailer, bring that hay rake you told me about also. He fixed, painted and detailed that old J.D. and it worked and looked better than new just the way Bill does things. He also helped me purchase a new Cummins Diesel truck even going to test drive them working through all the details with me like it was going to be his. He taught and showed me how to take care of it inside and out. The truck is now almost 25 yr old and the body and paint job still looks new. Everytime I see it, drive it, clean it and especially wax it i think of Bill and try to do the job to the high standard he set. I know he would be so proud of how it still looks today and give his smile of approval. I moved north of madison and tried to convince him to be my neighbor but he had to move south for family reasons. I sure regret not taking the time to visit him more as it always seems that life happens and like Bill there is alway something urgent to do. I just always thought we would get together soon but time marches on. I know he will be taking good care of things from above and I'll put an extra coat of wax on for you, thanks for being good friend. Will sure miss you ---- Job well done. Frank Wadzinski fdwad@centurytel.net