William J. "Bill" Glasheen, Kimberly, age 89, died peacefully Saturday March 27, 2010 at Appleton Medical Center. He was born July 31, 1920 in Appleton to the late Ross and Regina (Homblette) Glasheen. Bill graduated in the first class of what is now Appleton West High School. He served in the 302nd Infantry 94th Division during World War II and received many awards, including the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Good Conduct, World War II Victory, American and European Campaign medals. Bill was a 59-year member of the William Verhagen American Legion Post 60. Bill married Wilma Derkes on June 6, 1942 at St. John Nepomucene Catholic Church, Little Chute. He retired from the Kimberly Paper Mill in 1982 after 42 years of employment. Together, Bill and Wilma enjoyed square dancing for 25 years with Bill as a caller for 10 and Wilma planning dances for their 3 area clubs. Bill was an avid sturgeon spearer and decoy maker. They enjoyed 25 years of fishing and camping at Guth's Resort on the Wolf River.
Bill is survived by his wife of 67 years, Wilma; children: Robert, Kaukauna; Joseph, Appleton; Susan De Bruin, Middleton; Michael (Kathleen), Kaukauna; Stephen, Neenah; and Patrick (Ann), Appleton; grandchildren: Robert Jr., Ross (Becky), Robyn, David, Paul (Heidi), Elizabeth, Timothy (Jennifer), Kenneth (Sarah), Christopher (Jennifer), Jeffrey, Brian (Shironda), Gretchen, Samuel, Aaron and Tyler Glasheen, Amanda (Beau) Kriewaldt, God Child Connie (Devin) Hogan, Lynn (Jim) Will, Andrew and Troy (Lisa) De Bruin, Lori (Aaron) Lahm and Julie (Jason) Hartl; great grandchildren: Samantha, Breydon, Stephanie, Emily, Alex, Alexis, Kennidi, Madelyn, Megan, Maximus and Alana Glasheen, Elliot Kriewaldt, Sean and Kylie Hogan, Misty Will, Christian, Dominic and Noah De Bruin, Lily and Emerson Lahm, Trevor, Aiden and Katelin Hartl and Becky Glasheen's daughter, Mikayla Sipiorski; God Child Diane Derkes: other relatives and friends.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his son, James; daughter-in-law Sharon; two infant granddaughters, Kathryn and Emily; brothers: Clifford, John (Myrtle), Ross, Clarence and Joseph (Rita); his father and mother-in-law, William and Nellie Derkes; sisters and brothers-in-law: Marie (Ed) Rosner, Leona (Claire) Baumann, Peter (Edna) and infant Elmer Derkes.
Visitation will be held Tuesday March 30, 2010 beginning at 4:00 p.m. until time of Vigil service at 7:00 p.m. at O'CONNELL FUNERAL HOME (201 E. Main St. Little Chute). Visitation will continue Wednesday March 31, 2010 from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. at HOLY SPIRIT PARISH – KIMBERLY SITE (620 E. Kimberly Ave.). The Rev. David Beaudry will officiate. Committal Holy Name Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by the William Verhagen American Legion Post 60.
Special thank you to Father Falk, Sister Annette and the staff at AMC especially Alisa and Steve.