William 'Bill' F. Proeber

William “Bill” F. Proeber, age 93, passed away on Thursday, October 2, 2014, at Wheaton Franciscan – All Saints Medical Center. Bill was born in Caledonia on October 22, 1920, son of the late William J. and Ella (Nee: Erbe) Proeber.

During World War II, he proudly served in the United States Army Air Corps while stationed in Hawaii for four years and was a Pearl Harbor survivor. On August 11, 1945, he was united in marriage to Helen R. Kaplan, who preceded him in death, October 3, 2012.

He was employed for six years by Andis Clipper, thirty years with the City of Racine, starting with ash removal and lastly with parking meter maintenance. Additionally, he was employed part-time with Miller’s Flowers and for nineteen years with Rouse Gas Station.

He was a member of the Lawsonomy Church. Bill and his wife Helen volunteered for twenty-five years with Meals on Wheels and at the Lutheran Thrift Shop.

He loved playing the accordion for his family, and also entertained many people in nursing homes, at birthday parties and church festivals. He also enjoyed woodworking, dancing and playing schafskop. Above all, Bill was a loving and devoted father, grandfather and great-grandfather who will be deeply missed.

Survivors include his daughters and sons-in-law, Sandi (Charlie) Struebing of Caledonia, Patti Proeber (Greg Gottfredsen) of Racine, Becki (Peter) Otwaska of Racine; nine grandchildren, Chuck (Chrissy) Struebing, Eddie (Amanda) Struebing, Scott (Hannah) Struebing, Wade Modrow, Wendi (Kevin) Bixby, Adam (Jessie) Modrow, Amy (Jared) Harris, Staci (Brian) Byers, Courtney Otwaska; 15 great-grandchildren, Kailey, Calvin, Carter and Autumn Struebing, Conner, Allison and Lillian Modrow, Andrew, Emily and Elise Struebing, Alec Modrow, Isaac and Abigail Bixby, Hunter and Scarlet Harris; sister, Eunice Adensam, of Racine; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends.

In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by a grandson and a great-grandson; his brother, Robert (Lynn) Proeber; sisters, Wilma (James) Kaplan, Gertrude (Alex) Eichler, Phyllis (Jim) Mohrland; and brother-in-law, Bernie Adensam.

Funeral services with Full Military Honors will be held at the funeral home on Saturday, October 11, 2014, at 11 a.m., with his grandson, Rev. Scott Struebing, and Rev. Cary Wynn officiating. Private interment will be held at the Bohemian National Cemetery, Caledonia. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Friday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 10 a.m. until time of service at 11 a.m.

The family extends a special thank you to Dr. Richard Stoltenberg and his staff for all of their loving and compassionate care through the years.

MARESH-MEREDITH & ACKLAM FUNERAL HOME
803 Main St., Racine, WI    (262) 634-7888