MIDDLETON - William J. “Bill” Wenger Jr. passed away very peacefully in the comfort of his home, on Friday, December 13, 2024, following a stroke. He was born on October 17, 1942, in Springfield, Ohio, to William J. and Helen (Carpenter) Wenger.

In 1952, the family moved to a small cottage on Lake Mendota in Middleton, Wis. Four years later, a brother, Robert “Bob” was born. Bill graduated from Middleton High School in 1960. He attended UW-Madison, earning a B.S. in Economics in 1965. During Bill’s youth and college years, he enjoyed sailing, fishing, hunting, water skiing, downhill skiing, and ice skating across the lake (just to have something to do).

Little known facts about Bill: He was commodore of the Hoofers Sailing Club for two years in college. He was in the military ROTC program and received his commission as Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force upon graduation. While stationed at a base in Arkansas, Bill met me, Diana Lynn Forrest. We were married five months later in 1967, and recently celebrated 57 years together. Bill’s professional career included management consultant positions at Gaarder and Miller, Inc.; Dunn, Hamill, Nelson and Wenger; and Wenger Consulting, LLC.

Bill cherished his boys, John (born 1973) and Samuel (born in our hearts in 1988). Trips to the farm were what he enjoyed more as he became older and more infirm. He and his brother, Bob, spent many hours on the front porch solving the problems of the day.

Bill and I were true soulmates. We shared so many good memories of our younger years, and the older, more challenging years. We never regretted a single day! My heart belongs to you, sweet William! Love, Diana

Survivors include his wife, Diana; son, John William (Kristin); grandchildren, Devin Miles Wenger (Michelle); and Zoe Elizabeth (Ian) Stanislaw and their children, Charles Jasper and Colton Wayne; only brother, Robert (Linda) Wenger; niece, Melissa Tollefson; nephew, Joseph Wenger; cousins, Douglas Wenger, Bonnie Anderson, Fred Wenger and Linda Maloof; and many other relatives and close friends, including the southern in-laws. He was preceded in death by his parents; Diana’s parents; son, Samuel (2021); and great-granddaughter, Callie (2024).

A spring service with full military honors is being planned for 2025.

“The heart remembers best, what it has loved the most.”

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

Gunderson West

Funeral & Cremation Care

7435 University Ave.

(608) 831-6761

William J. "Bill" Wenger, Jr.

October 17, 1942 - December 14, 2024

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