Wilbur R. 'Bill' Wiessinger

Wiessinger, Wilbur "Bill" R. MCFARLAND-Wilbur "Bill" R. Wiessinger, age 88, passed away peacefully at his home in McFarland, surrounded by family, on Friday, Dec. 3, 2010. Bill was born on June 1, 1922, in rural Cottage Grove, the son of John and Grace (Schlueter) Wiessinger. He was baptized at Hope Lutheran Church. The Wiessinger family moved to Madison where Bill graduated from East High School in 1940. He served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, attending college courses in business at USAFI. He was stationed in the Phillippines and worked as a flight engineer on B-25's. Bill received his honorable discharge in 1952. He rejoined the Army in 1970 as a civilian administrator for the 44th General Hospital reserve unit located in Madison and retired in 1984. Bill married Ione Hornickle in 1949 and raised their daughter, Kay, together until Ione passed away in 1965. He married Lorraine Anderson in 1969, bringing four more children into his life. Their father, Richard Anderson, had passed away in 1965. Bill was an active member of the Monona Lutheran Church where he served on the building committee, as an elder, and sang in the choir for many years. His joys in life were auto racing, going to Badger football games with friends, hunting and traveling. Bill lived most of his adult life on Lake Waubesa. He always had a boat or two and enjoyed touring the lakes, fishing and was a great ski-boat skipper. He loved a good euchre game with his grandkids and always kept the local songbirds (and squirrels) well-fed, especially Geraldine the duck. Upon retirement, he became active in the Sertoma Club and was proud to take part in the naturalization ceremony for new U. S. Citizens. He was a volunteer at the Bethesda Thrift Store and spend many a Saturday sorting clothes. Bill enjoyed driving across the country to visit his children and grandchildren and was always looking for a new car to take him there. His friends and family would all agree that he was the nicest guy you would ever want to meet. He was always there to lend a helping hand, give a kind word, a smile and a heartfelt laugh. He was a fine example of a good man. Bill is survived by his wife, Lorraine; children, Kay (Richard) Rasmussen, Aleta Severson, Ellen (Steven) Peck, Christine (David) Lentz and Lawrence Anderson (Nancy Mustapich). His grandchildren were the joy of his life. They are, Michael Rasmussen, Richard (Rebecca), Jonathan and Tim Severson, Noah (Stephanie), Adam (Rachel) and Molly Peck, J. Zachary, Erika and Courtenay Lentz, Nicole (Richard), Adrian and Sean Anderson. He was also blessed by three great-granddaughters, Brooke, Audry and Eleanor. Funeral services will be held at MONONA EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4411 Monona Dr., Monona, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2010, with the Rev. William Pekari presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m until 7 p.m., on Monday, Dec. 6, 2010, and at thechurchfrom 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. The family would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to Pastor William Pekari of Monona Lutheran Church for his many visits and prayers during Bill's long illness. We would like to thank the Senior Outreach Center of McFarland, the staff at Belmont Rehabilitation Center, Harmony of McFarland, Meriter Home Health, and HospiceCare for their care and concern. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Monona Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice Memorials: In lieu of flowers, donations to Monona Lutheran Church or the charity of your choice. Cemetery: Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation: Visitation will be at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m until 7 p.m., on Monday, Dec. 6, 2010, and at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Tuesday. Service: Funeral services will be held at MONONA EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 4411 Monona Dr., Monona, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 7, 2010, with the Rev. William Pekari presiding.