MADISON - William John “Bill” Ballhorn passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, July 3, 2022, at age 80. Bill is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia “Patti” “Tish;” their daughter, Shannon Ballhorn-Wagner; son-in-law and buddy, Nick; two grandchildren who deeply loved their “Papa,” and his loving dog, Chimay.

He is also survived by numerous family and friends, far too many to list all but including his sister-in-law, Mary (Bob) Sauger; nephews, Matt Erbstoesser, David Metcalf, Mark Metcalf, Paul Metcalf and Steve (Cindy) Kaftanski; nieces, Kelly Ballhorn and Robin (Michael) DeWalt; and brother, John (Delores) Ballhorn. Bill was preceded in death by his mother, Hildegarde; father, Milton; sister, Shirley (Walt) Metcalf; brothers-in-law, Bob (Pam) Kaftanski and Michael Kaftanski; as well as his parents-in-law, Hubert “Babe” and Eleanor “Peggy” Kaftanski.

Bill was very proud to have attended Saint John’s Military Academy in Delafield, Wis. After graduation, he attended Lakeland College prior to enlisting and serving in the U.S. Army. He attended basic training in Texas, where he marveled at how there wasn’t segregation on base but was in town. He knew that absolutely didn’t make any sense and that was likely when Bill started to become more liberal.

Bill met the love of his life, Tish, in Sheboygan, Wis., and they were wed in 1965. At that time, he was managing his family’s furniture store, connected with Ballhorn Chapels. He felt a calling to stop working with his brother at the family business, and took computer and data processing classes in Madison, Wis. Soon after, Bill and Tish moved to Madison. Bill became what he would refer to as a “humble Civil Servant” working for the State of Wisconsin. He began his IT/IS career at the Department of Justice and retired in 2001 from the Department of Workforce Development. He had so many friends from work, as he was thoughtful, helpful, creative, and great at both working with and managing people. Bill also recently retired (in spring of 2022) from his part-time hosting position at the Vintage Brewing Company where he was affectionately known to all as “Uncle Bill.”

Bill loved to travel. Seeing the world helped him to understand so many different people, ethnicities, and religions. He thought if everyone spent more time traveling, people would have a better worldview and that it would be easier for people to get along. From trips to Spain, Morocco, Germany, France, England, Mexico, and road trips across the United States for audio shows, he was able to see places he had read about in his thousands of novels. He was an avid reader, and especially loved the Aubrey-Maturin nautical historical novels.

When Bill put his mind to something, he would absolutely accomplish it and probably do it better than expected. He decided to take an introduction to harmonica class at MATC early on in his retirement. As a classically trained pianist, vocalist, and string bass player (like his daughter, Shannon) he knew his existing musical theory would allow him to excel at “blues harp.” He loved playing in jams and on stage with his favorite bands and artists across Wisconsin, as well as the state of Mississippi and New Orleans. He also shared playing the harmonica with his grandkids, which he enjoyed as much as they did. He will be deeply missed in the Madison area music scene.

As he loved performing and having an audience, Bill became an ordained minister so that he could perform wedding ceremonies. He presided over dozens of friends’ and family members’ ceremonies, with a unique flair that was all Bill.

Bill often joked that a stranger was just a friend you hadn’t met yet. He lived this way. He loved meeting new people, telling jokes and stories, and having deep political conversations. I think he may have known how to save the world, if only he had the right ear to bend.

Bill’s spirit lives on in each of us who had the pleasure of knowing him. He lives on in every joke we tell, in our quest for knowledge, and in our thirst for adventure. Don’t put off doing the things you love. Spend time with your friends and family. Hold people tight. Tell them over and over that you love them. We all will love and miss Bill until the end of time.

A Celebration of Life will be held at the shelter in GARNER PARK, 333 S. Rosa Road, Madison (on the corner of Mineral Point Road and Rosa Road) on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2022, from 1 p.m. until 5 p.m.

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

Gunderson Fitchburg

Funeral & Cremation Care

2950 Chapel Valley Road

(608) 442-5002

William J Ballhorn

May 14, 1942 - July 03, 2022

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