LA CROSSE - John William “Bill” Fincher, age 85, of La Crosse, passed away on Friday, Feb. 11, 2022, at Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center. He was born on Nov. 30, 1936, in Madison, the son of Raymond and Mary (Winkels) Fincher of Mazomanie.

Bill graduated from Mazomanie High School in 1955 and served in the U.S. Navy from 1955-1956. Bill was united in marriage to Shirlee Mae Runk on May 4, 1957. He worked at the Wisconsin Department of Transportation for 34 years.

Bill was a Boy Scout leader and baseball coach. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, watching Packers and Badgers football and camping with his family.

Bill is survived by his three sons, Monty (Christine) Fincher of Salem, Dennis (Kristine) Fincher of Bryant and Timothy Fincher of La Crosse; nine grandchildren, Andrew (Sarah), Justin (Abby), Jake (Morgan), Aaron, Tyler (Pamela), Trevor (Laura), Kaleb (Tyler), Riley, Serena; three great-grandchildren, William, Wyatt, Owen; one sister, Elizabeth “Cookie” (Phil) Maas of South Carolina; and several brothers-in-laws and sisters-in-law. He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirlee in 2009; parents; and daughter-in-law, Lori (Hundt) Fincher.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. FRANCIS XAVIER CATHOLIC CHURCH, 2947 Thinnes St., Cross Plains, at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 19, 2022, with the Rev. Father Scott Jablonski presiding. Burial will be held at St. Barnabas Catholic Cemetery with a luncheon at the church to follow. Visitation will be held at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Saturday.

“Wild Bill” and his friendly, outgoing personality will be missed by family and friends. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson Cross Plains

Funeral & Cremation Care

2421 Church St.

(608) 798-3141

John W. Fincher

November 30, 1936 - February 11, 2022

Share photos of John