William Hayes

William Hayes

July 07, 1952 - March 02, 2024

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Obituary

DEFOREST- William “Bill” Charles Hayes, age 71, passed away on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at UW Hospital surrounded by family after a courageous battle with leukemia. He was born on July 7, 1952, in Marshfield, Wisconsin the son of Elizabeth “Betty” Mary (Dumas) and Charles “Charlie” Edward Hayes.

Bill was a 1970 graduate of Columbus Catholic High School in Marshfield, WI. He then went on to attend the University of Wisconsin – Madison to receive a bachelor’s degree in health and safety education. He retired after a 30-year career in pharmaceutical sales at Wyeth Pharmaceuticals (becoming Pfizer later in his career). He had many interests and wore many hats being the world’s best grandpa, grill master, handyman “jack of all trades”, avid gardener, swimmer, environmentalist, and fly-fishing enthusiast.

An avid outdoorsman that enjoyed golf, boating, kayaking, bird watching, biking, hiking, and challenging his grandsons to cannon ball contests off the family boat.

He also enjoyed reading, spending time with family, watching UW Wisconsin sports (especially men’s basketball), watching the Green Bay Packers, and listening to the Milwaukee Brewer games on the radio.

Bill had a legacy of helping others, strong devotion to his family, and had a great passion for anything he took on.

Bill is survived by his wife of 44 years, Jean; sons Justin and Nick; grandsons Charles and Harlan; brothers Tom (Donna) Hayes and Gary (Nancy) Hayes; and sister Nancy; and by his beloved dog, Marco. He is further survived by many cousins, nieces, and nephews; and numerous good friends. He was preceded in death by his parents.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that memorial donations be made to Clean Wisconsin or to the Southern Wisconsin Bird Alliance.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the doctors and nurses at the UW Hospital ICU and to the entire transplant team of nurses and doctors at the UW Carbone Cancer Center.

A celebration of life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, April 19th at Ryan Funeral Home, 6924 Lake Rd, DeForest, WI. A visitation will be held on Friday, April 19th from 12:00 p.m. until the time of service.

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

Ryan Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Windsor/DeForest Chapel

6924 Lake Road

608-846-4250

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CC
Chuck and Linda Cherekos
Other •
We will miss your eternal optimism and since of adventure. Rest in peace Bill.
HH
Hank Hoppin
Other •
Bill was a great friend and colleague. Bill was always a congenial friend who will be sorely missed.
SM
Sally and Oliver Miller
Other •
We both worked with Bill for several years and remember him for his sense of humor and tmhis great work ethic! Rest in peace, friend.
MD
Mike Davitt
Other •
Bill left a lasting impression upon everyone he met. I would send new Account Managers to spend time with Bill so they could see what good looked like. He sent me a hilarious voicemail once playing his mandolin and singing while his dog howled in the background. Bill was a genuinely good person. I am blessed for having known him.
JS
John Sargeant
Other •
Bill..your political wit and insight was without a match. Our fly-fishing trips, while years in the past, were a hoot! I won't forget the Root river "No trespass" photo concern warranted "laughter and an extra brew". RIP in God's golden nature haven, and re-unite with "all who are great." You are one of the good guys!..Sarge
EE
Eric and Patricia Eigenfeld
Other •
Bill was such a great guy, and our hearts go out to Jean, Nick and Justin. He was a wonderful part of my (Eric) growing up on Forest Park Drive. No matter what was going on, Bill always had time to share a laugh, talk Packers or give some great advice. He would always ask "So when are we getting the boat out to go fishing?" when I would come over, and I would always appreciate his invites to stay for dinner. You are dearly missed by all, and we hope you rest in Peace.

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