William F. Waterpool

William F. Waterpool, 86, died Saturday, April 3, 2010, at Wheaton-Franciscan All Saints Hospital, Racine. Bill died as he had lived his life – his way and on his terms. He passed peacefully with his sons Bill and Bob by his side.

Bill was born September 30, 1923, son of the late William F. and Amy (Nee: Bonsall) Waterpool in Neenah, Wisconsin. His childhood was spent in Richland Center and Rice Lake. His family then moved to Marinette, where he completed his senior year and graduated from Marinette High School in 1941. He attended freshman year at the University of Wisconsin in Madison and was then drafted into service (WW II). He attended basic training and was sent to officers training at Mississippi State College. He entered the war as a Lieutenant in the Army Corps of Engineers; serving in Germany he was among the troops who liberated the Dachau Concentration Camp. After the war ended, he visited with family in the village where his maternal grandfather had immigrated from, Monyash, Derbyshire, England. Returning from the war, Bill completed his education at the University of Wisconsin Madison, graduating with a Bachelor's of Business Administration in 1950.

He was hired by Belle City Malleable Iron and Steel, where he worked for six months prior to being drafted into the Korean War. He was sent to Alaska where he met his late wife, Capt. Lyda McLean (Nee: Hall). They were married in June 1952, in Seattle, Washington. They returned to Racine where Bill resumed his job in sales at Belle City (later Racine Steel Castings). He worked for Racine Steel for 37 years, retiring as Manager of Sales and Marketing Research in 1983.

In retirement, Bill enjoyed competing in Seniors golf and flying his ultralight plane with his friend and neighbor Bud Bell. He and his wife Lyda spent winters in Homosassa, Florida, near his brother Kent and also visited Lyda’s sisters and brother in Florida and Alabama. Bill’s wife Lyda passed away in August 1999. He remained staunchly independent and lived in his own home with the devoted aid of his son Bob (son Bill was called for backup when backup was needed). Bill was also a student of politics, finance and medicine – all topics he could debate with the most astute.

Bill is survived by his sons, Bill (William F. Waterpool III) of Chicago, and Bob (Robert Kent Waterpool) of Racine; brother, Kent B. Waterpool of Homosassa, Florida; brother-in-law, Buddy Hall of Montgomery Alabama; and many devoted friends and neighbors.

Bill requested that no formal services be held, but his sons (being staunchly independent themselves) request that friends and family join them at their father’s home on Saturday, April 10, 2010, from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. for a casual gathering in their father’s honor.

Bill’s sons Bob and Bill would like to thank the many devoted nurses, nurses aides and doctors and staff at Wheaton-Franciscan All Saints Hospital for their compassionate care during a difficult time. Thanks also to his general physician Dr. David Zablotney for his personal care and attention. Extra special thanks are extended to his neighbors and friends Molly and Mike Batzner, and Sue Cordier for their caring companionship.

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