William "Bill" C. Sharlow

William “Bill” Clarence Sharlow, 88, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at his home in La Crosse, Wis. He was born on August 18, 1935, in La Crosse, Wis. to Clarence (Whitey) Sharlow and Edna (Huebner) Vinson.

After graduating from La Crosse Central High School, William enlisted in the United States Navy in 1952 and was Honorably Discharged in 1956, when he proceeded to serve in the United States Air Force until 1960. On May 16, 1970, he married Mary Elizabeth Shimshak, and together they purchased their first and only home on the Northside of La Crosse. It was there that they raised their two children, Jody Peterson of La Crosse, WI, and Billie Jo (Rob) Sharlow-Vanderzanden of Hillsboro, Ore. In addition to his daughters, William is survived by his sister Betty (Fred) Voight, brother-in-law and sister-in-law; Jim and Wanda Shimshak, and a brother-in-law; Roger Beck. He is also survived by grandchildren Kearstin (Josh) Hyttinen, Landon Peterson, and Cayden Vanderzanden; as well as a great-grandchild; Bayne Hyttinen; and many nieces and nephews.

William started his machinist career with Rubber Mills until an unfortunate accident forced him to pursue employment with Trane Company, where he was employed until his retirement in 1995 after 21 years of service. In addition, William was always willing to get into a game of Cribbage, Euchre, or Pinochle with any of his many buddies that he made throughout his life. If not enthralled in an intense card game, you could find William tooling around on his bicycle in the Coulee region.

Later in life, Mary and William enjoyed traveling with friends to various places in the United States. Many memories were made in their travels to Branson, Mo., St. Louis, Mo., Las Vegas, NV., Washington, D.C., Orlando, Fla., Mackinac Island, Mich., Rochester, N.Y, Nashville, Tenn, New Orleans, La., and Yellowstone National Park.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Sharlow, and his sisters Donna Miller, and Beverly Marco.

A private memorial service will be held at Mormon Coulee Memorial Park.