Wilbert Disch

Disch, Wilbert F. "Bill" MADISON/MONONA-Wilbert Francis "Bill" Disch, age 82, died on Tuesday, April 28, 2009, of brain cancer. Bill was a talented and innovative man. He could fix or build anything, from furniture to electronics, from automobiles to model airplanes and nearly anything in between. Born in New Glarus Township, on July 16, 1926, to Irvin and Hazel (Scott) Disch, Bill was the second of 16 children. He joined the U. S Army during World War II and served overseas as a sergeant in the military police. In 1948, he married Carol S. Urdahl and together they raised seven children, making their home in Monona for 25 years. After the Army, Bill attended Madison Area Technical College, graduated at the top of his class, and became a well-known and respected master auto mechanic. For 40 years, he worked at various service stations in the Monona/Madison area, in addition to operating his own station with his wife, Carol. They later opened their own auto repair shop. After retiring from auto mechanics, Bill was employed part-time with the Oakbrook Corporation for the past 20 years. He worked as a live-in caretaker at a seniors apartment building, where he lived until his death. He was greatly liked and appreciated there. In his semi-retired years, Bill pursued a new hobby, building and flying model airplanes. He was a member of the Screaming Eagles, and the MARCS Club. He was also a lifetime member of the VFW Post No.1318, and in recent years, became a member of Door Creek Church. At age 78, Bill bought a Harley Davidson motorcycle, rekindling the love of riding he developed in the service. He enjoyed nothing more than taking long rides on his bike, especially on back country roads. Bill will be remembered, loved and missed by many people for many reasons. Right now, hes probably hanging out with his brother Kenny, reminiscing and laughing about some outrageous adventure they shared in their youth, followed by the unmistakable sound of a Harley roaring down an old country road. Bill is survived by seven children, Wayne (Sara Stewart) Disch of Green Bay, Mike Disch of Cottonwood, Ariz., Dave (Yvonne) Disch of Madison, Norm (Jan) Disch of Sun Prairie, Jerry (Bunnie) of Round Lake, Ill., Marlene Disch-Freitag of Sun Prairie, and Jackie (Katy Heffelfinger) Disch of Minneapolis, Minn.; 12 grandchildren, Gretchen, Dane, Dierdre, Erin, Kent (Becky), Kevin, Kari (Jason), Erik (Jeanmarie), Luke (Tina), Randy, Kim (Aaron), and Jamie; and six great-grandchildren, Alexandria, Cameron, Mckenzie, Kennedi, Tyler, and Noah, with another one on its way. He is also survived by three brothers, Charles (Mary Lou) Disch of Madison, Joseph (Kathryn) Disch of DeForest, and James (Kris) Disch of New Glarus; eight sisters, Mary Tschudy of Verona, Marjorie Elmer of New Glarus, Julie Johnson of Bainbridge Island, Wash., Kathleen (Edward) OConnor of Belleville, Judy Treuthardt of Monroe, Rosalie Breitenbach of Madison, Janet (Gary) Figi of Monticello, and Barbara (Bill) Argue of New Glarus; in addition to numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and many friends. Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his wife of 54 years, Carol in 2002; two brothers, Richard and Kenneth Disch; and two sisters, Patricia Jelle and Dorothy Horner. Funeral services will be held at DOOR CREEK CHURCH, 6602 Dominion Drive, Madison, at 10 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2009, with the Rev. Cal Steiner presiding. Burial will be at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Drive, Madison, from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m., with a pass in review at 8 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, 2009, and at the church from 9 a.m. until the time of the service on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Don and Marilyn Anderson HospiceCare Center, 5395 East Cheryl Parkway, Fitchburg, WI 53711. The family wishes to thank the Hospice staff and volunteers for their professional and compassionate care.