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

William Hayes

July 07, 1952 - March 02, 2024

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