Bill Klabunde
January 06, 1943 - November 17, 2013
Obituary
MADISON-Bill Klabunde, age 70, passed from this world on Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013. He was born on Jan. 6, 1943 in Elkhorn, WI and was the son of Aaron W. and Caroline (Rosencrans) Klabunde. He grew up in Powers Lake, WI and attended Badger High School. He was active in many sports in High School, especially basketball. He attended college in Stevens Point and also Madison Area Technical College. Bill worked for the State of Wisconsin, Woodmans, and the University of Wisconsin proudly for more than 30 years. He enjoyed shopping, camping, fishing, and going up North with his family. Nascar racing, the Packers, and UW Sports were his passion and he could tell you the stats on most players.
Bill was a kind, generous man that led a simple life. He did not allow everyday worries to bother him. Family meant the world to him, and he would tell you that his greatest joy came from being a father and grandfather.
He is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth Coleman (Todd Handel); grandchildren, Roman and Zoey; step-children, Linda Raisbeck; Randy Gartman and Larry Gartman; sister, Donna Hardwick; and his former wife and friend, Annette Klabunde. He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Nancy Flynn; and step-son, Bruce Gartman. A Celebration of Bill's Life will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr, Madison from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 22, 2013. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
As I sit in Heaven, and watch you every day, I try to let you know with signs, I never went away. I hear you when you're laughing, and watch you while you sleep,
I even place my arms around you to calm you as you weep.
I see you wishing these days away begging to have me home.
So I try to send you signs so you'll know you're not alone.
Don't feel guilty that you have life that was denied to me.
Heaven is truly beautiful, just you wait and see.
So live your life, laugh again, enjoy yourself, be free.
Then I know with every breath you take, you'll be taking one for me.
"Talk to you later...."
Gunderson East
Funeral and Cremation Care
5203 Monona Dr
(608) 221-5420
Events
Service
Fri Nov 22, 2013 @ 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Madison • 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, WI 53716
Photos
No photos of Bill have been shared yet.
Memories
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Patrick M. Quinn
Other •
I remember Bill very well. He lived in a green house on North Street across from the Dunn Lumber Company. The house is now gone and where it was located is now part of the Dunn Lumber Company. Bill was a terrific baseball player. He was the great fielding third baseman on the Badger High baseball team. I will never forget his blue glove; it was the first blue glove that I had ever seen. Bill was one of the most handsome members of the Badger High Class of 1960 and had a great personality. I seem to recall that he worked in the Physics Department at the University of Wisconsin and tended bar in the evenings at a bar on University Avenue.. I am saddened that he is gone. Patrick M. Quinn
MK
Marilyn Kurland
Other •
Bill came from a very nice family in Lake Geneva. I waited on his mom and dad in Bucknall's often. I was in school with Bill from the early years through high school. He was a good basketball player and active in sports. Bill was always a very gentle and quiet fellow. Very sad to learn of his loss. Sincere condolences to his family. Marilyn Millar Kurland
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judith Chase
Other •
I worked with Bill at Woodies East many years ago. He was always a positive upbeat gentleman and a pleasure to work with. I am so saddened to read of his passing and want to offer his family my heartfelt condolences. Perhaps they are not stars in the sky bit openings from heaven to shine down to let us know he is happy. Judy Chase
JB
Jeanne Buehlman
Other •
I worked with Bill at UW Physics. I know that he touched more lives than any of
us realize. He was a good person--always kind and gentle. My sympathy to his
family.
DB
Deb Bright
Other •
Words are not enough to ease your sorrow, but he would want you to be happy. His light will forever shine down on you from heaven. Hold him gently in your heart, and his light will continue to shine through you and your family. Wishing you strength during this difficult time, and peace within your soul. Deb Bright
RC
Ray Coleman
Other •
Never met a man more generous and kind-hearted as Bill. RIP