William L. Chase

William L. Chase, 91 of Holmen, passed away on Friday, November 17, 2017 at his home. He was born on July 4, 1926 in La Crosse, Wi. to Bernard and Winifred (Coon) Chase. He grew up on the north side of La Crosse with his three brothers, Charlie, Dick, and Gale.

On July 3, 1944 he joined the Navy, one day before his 18 ^th birthday. On July 12, 1946 he was honorably discharged and returned home. He married Beverly Houlihan on November 6, 1948 at St. Joseph the Workman Cathedral.

Together they raised ten children, Nancy (Ken) Loging, Bob Chase (Sharon), Mike Chase, Dan Chase, Joe (Kathy) Chase, Judy Gunderson (Jim), Gerry (Steve) Wurzel, Char Chase (Bruce), Bill (Amy) Chase, and Ron Chase (Deb).

He had a career as a union painter and wallpaper hanger, but his artistic abilities were endless, He painted portraits and wall murals, was a mechanic, home builder, songwriter, and welder. He taught his sons to hunt and fish, and together they enjoyed many years of memorable hunts.

It was his love for his family that kept him busy after his retirement, as he enjoyed sketching many portraits of his sons, daughters and grandchildren, and he helped all of us when we needed his assistance from auto repairs to plumbing problems. He was always there for his family and there was no problem our dad could not solve for us.

On May 14, 2011, he was fortunate to go on a freedom honor flight to Washington D.C. where he shared memories with other WWII veterans.

He recently celebrated his 69 ^th wedding anniversary with his loving wife Beverly on November 6 ^th , 2017.

Bill is survived by his wife Beverly, their ten children, 36 grandchildren, 46 great grandchildren, and 4 great great grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Bernard and Winifred Chase, his brothers Richard, Charles, and Gale Chase. A sister Virginia Chase, and a daughter- in-law Rebecca Chase.

A loving husband, father and grandfather, he will be sadly missed by all his family and his memories will never fade.

A Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:30 A.M. Friday November 24 ^th at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Onalaska, WI with Monsignor Steve Kachel presiding. Visitation will be held at the church on Friday from 9:00 A.M. until the time of Mass followed by luncheon in the church hall. Burial at the La Crosse Cathoiic Cemetery at 1:30pm with military honors provided by Onalaska American Legion Post 336.