William L. "Bill" Fitzpatrick, of Menasha, formerly of Little Chute, age 89, passed away on August 21, 2012, at home, comforted by his faith and surrounded by his loving family after battling cancer. He was born on April 16, 1923 in North Adams, MA to Francis and Alma (Millette) Fitzpatrick. He graduated from St. Joseph High School in North Adams and then served in the Naval Air Corps during WWII. He attended the University of Notre Dame and graduated from St. Norbert College with a BA in Economics in 1948, where he was a three-sport athlete. He later received a Masters Degree in Physical Education from Northern Michigan University. Bill married the love of his life Margaret Jacobs on August 13, 1947 at St. Boniface Church in DePere. They moved to Little Chute, became members of St. John Church, and together raised eight children. With pride and joy Bill welcomed in-laws, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

After college Bill taught and coached at Hilbert High School from 1948 – 50. He then began a teaching and coaching career in Little Chute, first at St. John High School from 1951-66 and then Little Chute High School from 1967-85. He had many successful years of coaching at St. John and his football teams at Little Chute High School were undefeated under his tenure on the Mustang home field (49-0), now named Fitzpatrick Field.

After retiring from teaching, Bill was the Fox Valley Athletic Association conference commissioner. Bill had a special fondness for the community of Little Chute, which honored him with "Bill Fitzpatrick Day" in 1976. Bill was a member of Little Chute Legion Post 258 and a charter member and first president of the Little Chute Kiwanis Club.

Coach Fitz received many honors including Wisconsin Football Coach of the Year in 1979 and Midwest High School Coach of the Year in 1987. Bill was inducted into the St. Norbert Hall of Fame, the Wisconsin High School Football Coaches Hall of Fame located at Camp Randall, and the National High School Coaches Hall of Fame in 2006. These accolades were meaningful to Bill, but not nearly as important as the many relationships he developed with students, athletes and colleagues.

Survivors include his wife of 65 years, Marge; four sons: Bill Jr. (Bridget) Fitzpatrick, Fremont; Michael (Lynette) Fitzpatrick, Glendale, AZ (Bill and Michael are twins born two hours prior to Coach Fitz's first football game at St. John's.); Timothy (Donna) Fitzpatrick, Sun Prairie; and Brien (Claire) Fitzpatrick, Schaumburg, IL; four daughters: Margaret (Tom) Gossens, Appleton; Maureen (Jeff) Carpenter, Phoenix, AZ; Erin (Ed) Schmidt, Wisconsin Rapids; and Katie (Dutch) Hurley, Appleton. He is further survived by his grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Kelli (Kevin) Porter and their children Bree and Ryann; Adam (Maria) Gossens and their children Quinn and Joseph; Megan Gossens; Jacob Carpenter and his son Ezekiel; Molly (Ryan) Hobbs; Cullen and Conor Fitzpatrick; Dustin and Colleen Fitzpatrick; Bridget (Chuck) Soldner and their children Colton and Bryce; Becky (Tim) Blanke; Michael and Alisen Fitzpatrick; Sarah, Sam and Max Hurley; Kaysee, Brenna and Hannah Fitzpatrick. He is also survived by sisters-in-law Elizabeth Miskella and Helen Brennan both of DePere; and dear friends Bud and Joan Kohn, Combined Locks. Bill is also survived by many special nieces and nephews.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; Marge's parents John and Helena Jacobs; two grandchildren Katelan and Maureen Fitzpatrick; his siblings and in-laws: Edward (Betty) Fitzpatrick, Bernard (Claire) Fitzpatrick, Paul (Anne) Fitzpatrick, Mary (Bob) Cooney, Kay (Stan) Giza; brothers and sisters-in-law: Henry (Glady) Jacobs, Porky (Margaret) Jacobs, Norbert Jacobs, Florence Hartman, Paul Miskella and Urban Brennan.

Visitation will be held Monday August 27, 2012 in the Field House at LITTLE CHUTE HIGH SCHOOL (1402 Freedom Road) from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. with an 8:30 p.m.prayer service. Visitation will continue Tuesday August 28, 2012 at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (323 S. Pine St. Little Chute) beginning at 9:00 a.m. until time of Mass at 11:00 a.m. The Rev. Ronald Belitz will officiate. The Rev. Dean Dombroski and the Rev. Gerald Falk will concelebrate. Military rites conducted by the Jacob Coppus American Legion Post 258 will immediately follow. Committal St. John Cemetery. A memorial is being established.

Our gratitude to Theda Care Hospice and Dr. Mortara's office, especially Patty, for helping us with Dad's care.