William J. "Bill" Sterling

William James “Bill” Sterling, 72 of Onalaska, passed away unexpectedly at home on Friday, October 30, 2015. He was born on July 20, 1943, in Prairie du Chein, WI, the son of Avery Le Roy Sr. & La Vera (Martin) Sterling. Bill attended Central High School, La Crosse, WI, where he participated in track and band graduating in 1961.

Bill enlisted in the United States Navy, June 26, 1961 and attended Basic Training at Great Lakes Naval Station in Chicago, IL. He served two tours of duty as a medic and barber aboard the USS Fred T. Berry “tin can destroyer” in the Mediterranean Sea, during the 60’s missile crisis. Bill was honorably discharged (released to inactive duty) on June 12, 1964.

Bill joined the Burlington Northern Railroad in Dubuque, IA, in 1966, later moving to La Crosse, WI where he was a conductor for 37 years. He was instrumental with the “Operation Stop” Initiative where he traveled to local high schools lecturing on the consequences of disobeying the rules of stopping at a railroad crossing. While working at Burlington Northern he received a National Outstanding employee award and served as a union steward. Bill retired on July 20, 2003.

On December 9, 1983, he married Nikki (Riek) Snyder in La Crosse, WI. Bill and Nikki resided in La Crosse until moving to Onalaska, WI in 1990. Bill and Nikki enjoyed riding motorcycle together, escaping to warm vacation spots during the cold Wisconsin winters, volunteering at the Onalaska Historical Society and simply enjoying life with friends and family.

In addition to working for Burlington Northern Railroad, Bill was the owner of Sterling Iron Works Gym in the early 80‘s to early 90‘s. It was La Crosse’s first free weight gym and had a tremendous following from local police and fire department employees and the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse Football team. It was well noted that the then WWF always trained there when on tour. Bill always enjoyed working out, bodybuilding and going to the gym.

Bill enjoyed hunting trips with his brother Avery to British Columbia, Wyoming, North Dakota and Alaska for deer, elk, caribou, and bear. In addition he spent time fishing for Salmon and Dolphin with brothers, son, grandson and nephew on Lake Michigan and the Florida Keys.

He was a member of the Onalaska American Legion, Post 336. At Post 336 Bill was an avid member of the District 7 Legion Riders, Honor Guard, and was the Commander for the Sons of American Legion Post 336. On any given day or night, you might have found Bill volunteering his time towards the passion of serving others, especially the armed forces.

In their neighborhood, Bill was the “go to guy”, for treats, for both kids and dogs alike. Bill was known as a funny, generous, lovable, and most times the life of the party; always ready to tell a joke, or lend a hand. More importantly Bill was one of a kind! Bill touched so many lives and will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know him.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Brother Avery Jr. Sterling of Michigan, Brother in law Rod Skrede of Viroqua, and his forever companion Golden Retriever “Willy”.

In addition to his wife Nikki, Bill is survived by one son: Jeff (Kathy) Sterling of Burlington, WI, two daughters: Chris (Keith) Schlaver of Bangor, and Stefanie (Mike) Jax of Menomonie, eight grandchildren: Taylor & Kyle Sterling, Amanda, Megan, and Sam Reinholz; Sami (TJ) Rozwalka; Caz and Charli Jax; two great grandchildren: Aspyn and Saige Rozwalka, (another on the way) one sister Cheryl Skrede of Viroqua, one brother Dr. John (Jean) Sterling of Coon Valley, WI, sister in law Diane Sterling (Avery Jr.) of Oxford, MI, his very special friend and “adopted son” Steve Briggs of Onalaska, as well as many aunts, uncles, nephews, nieces, neighborhood kids and friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11am on Friday, November 6, 2015 at the Schumacher-Kish Funeral and Cremation Services La Crosse chapel; 200 West Ave. So. Pastor Scott Skogen will officiate. Burial with full military honors provided by the Onalaska American Legion Post 336 will be in the Onalaska Cemetery. Visitation for family and friends will be held at the La Crosse funeral home on Thursday evening from 4pm until 7 pm and again at the funeral home on Friday from 10am until the time of services. We welcome the sharing of fond memories of Bill. In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred and will be used in Bill’s memory.