Willard C. "Bill" Pire, Appleton, age 83, passed away at Brewster Village on Saturday April 13, 2013 after a lengthy battle with Alzheimer's Disease. His loving family surrounded him. Bill was born on July 6, 1929 in Beloit, WI to Fred and Beulah (McPherson) Pire. He graduated from Appleton West and served in the Army from 1951-1953. On July 21, 1951 Bill married Audrey Hermsen. They lived in Rolla, MO for two years while he was stationed at Fr. Leonard Wood, MO.

Bill was an active member of St. Thomas More Parish and volunteered at St. Vincent De Paul. His hobbies included golf, tennis and fishing. Bill enjoyed his great group of friends in his poker club, having played together for over 30 years.

Bill is survived by his wife of 63 years, Audrey; six children: Gary (Jill), Appleton; Daniel (Debra), Waupaca; Donna (Phil) Keagy, Ft. Lauderdale, FL; Catherine (Bill) Murphy, Greenville; Mary Biggar (Ken), Greenville; and Susan (Scott) Garavet, Wausau; grandchildren: Sara Pire, Kristen and Taylor Keagy, Travis, Danielle and Ben Pire, Sam and Anne Murphy, Doug and Jacob Biggar, Ashley and Chase Garavet; great grandchildren: Owen, Eli, Kirstyn, Tenley, Ahna, Madalyn, Nevadah and Daniel; and brothers and sisters-in-law: Mildred Pire, Gladys (Arthur) Schmidt, Joan Milhaupt, Jeanie Hermus, Lorie Staniak, Reginald (Marty), Don (Dianne) and Roger (Pat) Hermsen, Tom (Gini) Knutson. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Beulah; brother Robert; Audrey's parents John and Delia Hermsen; son-in-law Greg Biggar; and brothers and sisters-in-law: Nancy Hermsen, Lois Knutson, Rudy Hermus, Larry Milhaupt and Tom Staniak.

Visitation will be held Wednesday April 17, 2013 at ST. THOMAS MORE PARISH (1810 N. McDonald Appleton) beginning at 9:00 a.m. until the time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. Gerald Falk will officiate. Committal at St. Joseph Cemetery. To sign the guest book, please visit oconnellfh.com. Bill's family will establish memorials in his name to benefit Alzheimer's research and Brewster Village.

Thank you to the compassionate staff at Brewster Village. Also, thank you to Fr. Falk and the family and friends that supported Audrey through Bill's illness.

Bill was a fun-loving man, quick with a smile and a joke. He was a sweet and gentle husband, dad and grandpa and will be deeply missed. He was a faithful servant of our Lord Jesus Christ. We take great comfort knowing he is in heaven, healed in God's hands.