William J. Mackey

LA CROSSE - By the grace of God, William J Mackey (Bill) was received into heaven on Tuesday, March 3, 2015.

Bill was born on January 24, 1925. He served in the US Marines from 1943 to 1946. Bill was joined in Christian marriage to Helen M. Bingham on August 20, 1949. A week before their marriage, Bill received a Bachelor's Degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana. A year later, he received a Master's Degree, also from the University of Illinois at Urbana. Bill received his PhD from Loyola University in Chicago in 1971. He started teaching at the University of Wisconsin at LaCrosse in 1968, and retired Professor Emeritus in 1994.

Piping became a passion for Bill. He joined the LaCrosse & District Pipes & Drums, and he and his family had many memorable times going to various parades and events for bagpipers. He was also a great advocate of family, as he was quoted "Remember your family, keep them close, cause they are the only one you'll have."

Bill is survived by his loving wife, Helen (Bingham) Mackey, after 65 years of blessings in holy matrimony. Bill is also survived by his many children: Bill and Sue Mackey of Lake Geneva, WI, Markie Pendleton and Craig Brandfass of Madison, WI, Tim and Anne Mackey of Madison, WI, Cathy and Rusty Batcher of Naples, FL, Beth Mackey and Craig Bolles of Madison, WI, Jenny and Jeff Kohner of Hartland, WI, Greg Mackey and Dawn Campbell of La Crosse, WI, Terry and Lori Mackey of Alexandria, VA, and James and Julie Mackey of Alexandria, VA; 18 grandchildren: Jenna (Jim), Leslye (Rick), Becky (Jesse), David, Sarah (Tim), Faith, Tom (Stephanie), Matt, Race (Dee), Trey (Danielle), Kevin, Phil, Rachel (Juilen), Ben, Amber, Tess, Allie, and Lara; 12 great-grandchildren: Jesse, Shelby, Shawn, TJ, Chris, Emma, Peter, Joshua, Logan, Dru, Jeremiah, Makayla; and many dear friends.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Will and Abbie (Flanigan) Mackey; his brother, Edward Mackey, his sisters, Sister Rosemary Mackey, SP, and Rita Mackey, and a grandson, Peter Mackey.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at BLESSED SACRAMENT CATHOLIC CHURCH, 130 Losey Blvd S, La Crosse, WI, on Friday, March 6, 2015, at 11 a.m. with Rev. Peter Raj officiating. A visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 10 a.m. until the time of the service. A private family interment will be held at Rock Island National Cemetery at a later date. Memorials are preferred to Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church.