Willard 'Bill' Matthew McLimans

MADISON-Willard Bill Matthew McLimans passed away on Friday, August 20, 2010 at Oakwood Village East, Madison. Willard was born in Mount Ida, Wisconsin on September 30, 1916, the son of Lester and Jeanette McLimans. He graduated from Fennimore High School in 1934. He was a member the United States Army from 1941 until 1945 and served in the European Theatre of World War II. On June 24, 1943 while on a furlough from the army, he married the love of his life Dorothy Foley. Following the war the couple moved to the Madison area where Willard attended college under the GI Bill. He began working for MATC while taking classes, and he continued working there as a business manager until his retirement in 1978. Willard and Dorothy were very religious; they were founding members of Lakeview Moravian Church. Following retirement, Willard and Dorothy volunteered for several organizations including the Moravian Church, Habitat for Humanity, and homeless shelters in Madison. When Dorothy developed Alzheimers disease, Willard provided years of loving care for her. His family will always remember his love, dedication to his wife and family, generosity, faith and kindness. He lived his life in a way that was truly admired, and served as an example to his family. A loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, Willard is survived by his three children, Willard (Mary) McLimans of Stoughton, Judith (Sherman) Martin of Madison, James (Beth) McLimans of McFarland; 15 grandchildren, Matt, Melissa, Betsy, Christina, Cory, BJ, Hilary, Brandon, Jonnie, Kyle, Hal, Tiaunta, Manuel, Kelsey, Alex; six great grandchildren; and many foster grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his brothers John, Harold, Ralph and Raymond; and his sister, Bertha. Funeral services will take place at LAKEVIEW MORAVIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH, 3565 Tulane Ave, Madison, at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2010 with the Rev. Stacey Wheeler presiding. Burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2010. Willards family wishes to extend their appreciation to the caregivers at Oakwood Village East and HospiceCare for their loving care and compassion. Memorials can be made to Habitat for Humanity, Lakeview Moravian Church, or HospiceCare. We love you Dad! Ducks are on the pond! Memorials: Memorials can be made to Habitat for Humanity, Lakeview Moravian Church, or HospiceCare. Cemetery: Burial will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation: Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 4 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Aug. 24, 2010. Service: Funeral services will take place at LAKEVIEW MORAVIAN COMMUNITY CHURCH, 3565 Tulane Ave, Madison, at 11 a.m., on Wednesday, Aug. 25, 2010 with the Rev. Stacey Wheeler presiding.