William Cross

William Cross

March 05, 1949 - May 05, 2022

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Obituary

Madison- William “Bill” Cross, age 73, passed away on Thursday, May 5, 2022, at St. Mary’s Hospital. He was born on March 5, 1949, to Ralph and Antoinette (Medinger) Cross at St. Joseph Hospital in Dodgeville. Bill has now joined his parents and brother in the promise of his Baptism into Eternal Life.

Bill worked for the legislature from 1970 to 1983 and from 1985 to 2009. He spent 34 years between the Senate and Assembly. He belonged to The Knights of Columbus and won the highest award in 1997. Bill volunteered and helped start the television Mass. He was proud of his service to people, no matter what he was doing. Bill was very friendly, a good listener, compassionate and seeing other people happy brought him joy.

Bill is survived by sister-in-law, Bonnie Cross; nieces, Terry (Jeffrey) Jakober, Sherry (Michael) Wilson; nephews, Jay Cross, Scott Cross, Eric Cross; great nephews, Andrew Jakober, Ryan Cross, Christian Wilson, Evan Cross; great nieces, Ashley Dum, Carly Cross, Breanna Wilson, Jamie Cross, Niki Cross, and Samantha Cross.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Antoinette and Ralph Cross, brother, Dennis W. Cross, niece Jaclyn Hueg, nephew Robin Cross.

Bill was blessed to have the friendship of Father Thomas Colye, Ogi Ganbat and his family of Mongolia, Bea, and Roy Chung family, Tibetan Choeckys family members, Craig and Cindy Pauly family members, Mike and Jinja Nonn, Mike Staude, Bill Ruff, Tom “Chico” Lenoch, Dave Pulda, Larry Kleinheinz, and his Brother Knights and Sir Knights of The Knights of Columbus.

A Mass of Eternal Life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, June 3, 2022, at Good Shepherd Catholic Parish at the St. James Church, 1128 St. James Court, Madison. Visitation will take place at 10:00 AM until the time of Mass at church. Inurnment will be held at a later date at Resurrection Cemetery.

Bill asks that instead of flowers, donations be made to the Apostolate for Persons with Disabilities, 702 S. HIGH POINT RD. SUITE 225, MADISON, WI 53719,

or St. James Catholic School.

https://apdmadisondiocese.com/donate/

https://www.stjamesschool.org/giving

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit: www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

5701 Odana Road

608-274-1000

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William
C
Cara
Other •
Bill is a role model that I hold in high regard. I knew him when I was a child. He was active in the church that my family attended. He stepped in at a time when an extra adult would be helpful. Bill had such a great impact on me that decades later, I recall our conversations distinctly. He always seemed so chill and so fun. He helped my family at a truly critical time and when I think back, he filled a void that would have been huge had he not stepped forward. I don't know that he would ever realize the impact he had. As our family health and wellness steadied, he stepped back. I rarely saw him after my elementary school years but always remembered. I could not be sadder hearing that he has left this earth. I can only believe that the world is many times better because of his selfless acts. Bill committed himself--took me and my siblings to the circus, the fair. He volunteered at church and always offered a wave. He introduced us to tootsie rolls sold for the Knights of Columbus. I recall him laying down the rules but also remember getting to act like a kid when we were with him. I'm so thankful for Bill. I wish I could have told him at some point how much it meant to me that he paid attention, that he was so selfless. He made the world better and I will strive to be something like him.
BS
Brian Rude, former Senator
Other •
As a staff person in the Legislature for a long time, he was a legend. He knew a lot about everything all the time, and always had something interesting to bring to the table. I enjoyed our interactions over the years and appreciated his friendship as well as his public service. Rest in peace Bill!
MB
Marie Josephine Burbach
Other •
Bill was a great friend whom I will miss. He was a good man who enjoyed meeting people from all walks of life. He was instrumental in creating legislative support for Wisconsin's Career and Technical Student Organizations (DECA, FBLA, FFA, HOSA, VICA, and FCCLA) He loved visiting with members and many considered him a good friend. His keen knowledge of the legislative process earned him the respect of many citizens and politicians.
BF
booth fowler
Other •
40 and more years with Bill at St. Paul's, there KCs, and since....unforgetable giver he was to church and to youth....Going to miss Bill, and so much of our times together.
JL
Jim Lynch
Other •
Bill was suck a kind, funny, and caring person. Our family was so blessed by his friendship!
SM
Steve Mayer
Other •
Bill was a dedicated freind of the Appostolate. He will truly be missed. Say hi to Monsignor Tom!

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