Wilbur Clara Wright

MADISON - Wilbur C. “Bill” Wright, age 93, of Madison, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, on Monday, July 18, 2022, in Oregon, Wis.  He was born on May 19, 1929, in Fitchburg, to Edwin and Rosina (Schwarz) Wright.  Bill attended St. James Grade School and Edgewood High School. He served proudly in the U.S. Army, in Japan, just before the Korean War.  After his time in the Army, Bill returned to Madison and met the love of his life, Lois Comiskey.

Bill and Lois were married on Oct. 13, 1951, and raised two daughters together. They later divorced but remained united throughout their lives in support of their daughters and in respect for one another.  Bill was a firefighter/paramedic for the Madison Fire Department for 34 years.  He served in various roles on the fire department and the local union and was at one time president of Firefighters Local 311.

Bill figured out early in life that he had more energy than most people around him and channeled that energy into building homes on his days off.  Over a 25-year period, he built four single family homes in Madison.  He also loved to bicycle and in 1975, formed a group called the Wright Riders.  The group logged thousands of miles touring around the Midwest, before bicycle touring was popular.  He relished his “time in the saddle” and if he wasn’t riding, was engaged in planning his next trip.  

Bill was a lifelong learner, and prior to retiring from the fire department in 1984, returned to school and received an associate degree in marketing from Madison Area Technical College.  He then founded a consignment used goods and collectible store in Monona called The Treasure Mart, which was in operation for 41 years prior to closing in 2019.

In retirement, Bill enjoyed traveling, playing cards, making new friends and spending time with family.  He loved walking and hiking and enjoyed exploring the county parks around Madison with his daughters and canine companions.  Bill loved to read and was never without a book or his daily newspaper.  He enjoyed discussing books and current events with others.  

Per Bill’s wishes, no public services will be held.  In lieu of donations, Bill would encourage everyone to get outside and connect with nature.  Enjoy the beauty and abundance of your surroundings and take the time to listen to your own thoughts.  

Bill is survived by his children, Susan Wright (Scott Thompson) of Madison and Marjorie Mateer (David) of Niwot, Colo.; and grandsons, John Mateer of Denver, Colo., and Daniel Mateer of Denver, Colo. He was preceded in death by his parents; his brothers, Donald, Norman, Edwin and Stanley; sister Elaine; and former wife, Lois.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the care staff at Sienna Meadows in Oregon, Wis., and Agrace HospiceCare, with a special thank you to Bill’s primary care physician, Dr. Leo Schug, for his excellent and compassionate care of Bill throughout his senior years.

For additional information, please contact Bill’s daughter Marjorie at:  margiemateer@yahoo.com. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420