Bill Fuller

MCFARLAND, Wis. - William E. “Bill” Fuller, age 81, passed away peacefully at Agrace HospiceCare on Wednesday, Jan. 12, 2022, after a brief battle with an aggressive form of cancer. Bill was the only son of Leah and Gordon Fuller of Wyocena, Wis.  He had fond memories of growing up in the Columbia County “shop house” where his dad, Gordon, worked. He began playing the clarinet at a young age, honing a talent that would bring him joy his entire lifetime.

Following graduation from Pardeeville High School, he studied Education and Music at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  In addition to playing in the University’s Symphony Orchestra and Concert bands, he also was a member of the UW Marching Band.  As a member, he had the honor of performing twice in Pasadena, Calif., in the 1960 and 1963 Rose Bowl parades and halftime shows.  During college, Bill also played with the Madison Municipal Band, which he continued with his entire life.  In 1966, he graduated with his Master’s in Music Education and accepted his first teaching job in Tomah, Wis. After one year, he moved to teach in Greenfield, Wis., where he met his future wife, Shela. After several years, he moved to take his final teaching position as the band director at Sennett Middle School in the Madison Metropolitan School District.  Bill and Shela were united in marriage on Sept. 27, 1974.

During his teaching career, Bill also played the clarinet and saxophone professionally in many local bands and orchestras including the Madison Municipal Band, Madison Symphony, Capitol City Band, VFW Band, Retro Swing Wind Ensemble, American Express Dance Band, the Madison Shriners Band, the Max Draxler Bavarian Brass Band, and the Madison Chamber Orchestra.  He judged International Drum Corps shows, local and state WSMA competitions, and taught at the International Peace Gardens Summer Music Camp in North Dakota.  On vacations throughout his life, he sat in with many different musical groups such as the Birch Creek Pops in Door County, West Palm Beach Band, and the Greater Miami Symphony.  A highlight was playing for the Pope in Italy with the Madison Municipal Band.  Additionally, he played in numerous shows including the Ice Capades, Frank Sinatra Jr. and Leslie Uggams shows, for Red Skeleton and Rodney Dangerfield, and with the Verona Straw Hat Players, the Sun Prairie Theater and the Madison Guild Theater.  In the last few years, he was especially excited to perform with Get Back Wisconsin in several of their featured Beatles concerts.  Finally, he spent many years as an accomplished member of the Turtle Creek Chamber Orchestra, the Middleton Community Symphony and the Beloit Janesville Symphony.  

In addition to music, he enjoyed taking family camping trips to White Deer Lake in northern Wisconsin, as well as many other State and National parks all over the U.S.  Bill also loved to spend time on the Union Terrace with his family, working in the yard at home, and going to Brewers and Mallards games.  

Bill is survived by his wife of 47 years, Shela; his daughter, Jennifer Zamastil and son-in-law, Kevin Zamastill of McFarland, Wis.  He is also proud papa to his three grandchildren, Barrett, Max and Holly Zamastil; granddog, Stella; grandcats, Enzo and Artemis; and several unnamed fish.  He was preceded in death by his parents.

Those close to Bill knew him to be on the quiet side.  When he spoke, he was usually right (that one’s for you, Dad) and had exceptional advice.  He was the calm to our storm, and he had a wicked sense of dry humor.  He will be missed, but we know that we will be together again.  

A celebration of his life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison on Monday, Jan. 24, 2022. A service will be held from 3:30 p.m. until 4 p.m., followed by visitation until 6 p.m.  You are encouraged to show up in Badgers red and white!  In lieu of flowers, donations will be used to establish a music fund in Bill’s name.

On, Wisconsin!

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

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420