William West
February 13, 1927 - April 29, 2015
Obituary
MADISON-William Joseph "Bill" West, was born in Chicago, February 13, 1927. He was the first son of Ben and Catherine West. The family moved to Milwaukee in 1930, where Bill received his education at Garden Homes School and Rufus King High School. He was proud of the education he received and spoke with great affection for his teachers. He graduated in January, 1945 and four days later he was in the US Navy, entering as a Seaman First Class. Bill enjoyed his stint in the Navy “always good sailing weather” on the Pacific, where ports were Guam, Osaka, Japan, and Shanghai among others. Bill returned to the States in August of 1946.
He attended UW Extension in Milwaukee and graduated from UW Madison in the School of Business. He married a Milwaukee neighbor, Joy Voigt, in June 1950. He was proud and very happy in this marriage of almost 65 years, which produced three daughters.
They moved to Madison when Bill took a job with the State (DILHR) in 1970. Prior to that move, he was proud to have worked on the Apollo guidance system project with Delco Electronics in Oak Creek, WI. Bill retired from the State in July 1986. They moved south and lived in Acworth/Woodstock, GA for 16 years. During retirement Bill and Joy traveled a great part of the world, Europe, Orient, South America, Scandinavian and Mediterranean countries, including all 50 states, many times over.
Bill leaves behind his wife Joy, the love of his life; daughters Deborah (William) Holden, Laura (Richard) McFadden, and Patricia “Patty” West, also grandsons Colin (Jordan) Holden of Atlanta, Richard “Britt” McFadden (Tiffany) of Menominee Falls and Brian McFadden of Minneapolis and five great-grandchildren. Bill was predeceased by his brother, Robert and a granddaughter, Koren.
Bill left us April 29th, 2015 having spent his final days at Agrace Hospice. The family wishes to thank the staff and volunteers at Agrace. Bill also spent almost 5 months at Tabor Oaks assisted living. Many thanks to the 3rd floor staff for their patience and understanding. One of Bill's most memorable experiences was taking the Badger Honor Flight to Washington, D.C. Bill was also a lifetime member of the Elks Lodge 410 in Madison.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 9, at 11:00 AM at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 326 South Segoe Rd, Madison.
In lieu of flowers, contributions to the Dane County Humane Society or Agrace Hospice are most appreciated.
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com
Joyce-Ryan Funeral Home
& Cremation Services
To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com