William "Bill" Kish

William "Bill" Joseph Kish, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and pillar of his community, passed away peacefully at his home on May 15, 2024. Born on August 8, 1949, in La Crosse, Wisconsin, Bill was the son of Jule and Leora (Strasser) Kish.

Bill's life was marked by dedication, service, and unwavering love for his family. He graduated from Aquinas Catholic High School in 1967 and briefly attended the University of Wisconsin - La Crosse before embarking on a journey of service to his country. In 1969, Bill enlisted in the U.S. Navy, where he served as a Fire Control Technician on a submarine tender, USS Sperry, stationed in San Diego. His commitment to duty and his comradeship earned him both respect and admiration.

On October 9, 1971, Bill married his high school sweetheart, Mary Johnson, beginning a partnership that lasted 52 years. Bill lovingly referred to Mary as “My Life” right up until his passing. After his honorable discharge from the Navy in 1973, Bill and Mary returned to La Crosse, where he joined his father in the family business, Kish Electric. His dedication and hard work, along with his brothers Dick and Joe, and brother-in-law, Mark, contributed significantly to the success of the business.

Bill was a devoted father to his four daughters, Sara Kish, Kim (Joseph) Towey, Jackie (Billy) Carr, and Kerry (Brad) Hottinger. His love and support were unwavering, and he took immense pride in their accomplishments. As a grandfather to nine grandchildren, Trevor Langrehr, Justin Langrehr, Bodhi Carr, Morgan Hottinger, Megan Langrehr, Emily Towey, Harper Hottinger, Alayna Carr, and Greyson Carr, he cherished every moment spent with them, imparting wisdom, love, and laughter.

Throughout his life, Bill pursued his passions with vigor. He had a lifelong fascination with trains, reflected in his extensive model railroad collection. He was an excellent cook and a master on the grill. He enjoyed a good meal and found joy in preparing meals and hosting gatherings for his family and friends whenever he got a chance. Fly fishing, camping in his RV, and sitting on the backyard glider watching the birds feast from his birdfeeders alongside the pond were where he found solace in the tranquility of the outdoors.

Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Jule and Leora, and his brothers Jim, Raymond, and Tom. He is survived by his devoted wife, Mary, his “second favorite ”daughters, grandchildren, and a large extended family including his siblings Dick (Lyn) Kish, Peter (Lisa Olsen) Kish, Mary (Mark) Swiggum, Joe (Denise) Kish, Julie (Chris) Corazza, and John (Lynn Cade) Kish; his aunt Teresa Heberlein, and brothers and sisters-in-law, Richard (Deanna) Johnson and Dr. Steven (Renee) Johnson as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A visitation to honor Bill's life will be held on Friday, May 31, from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Schumacher-Kish Funeral Home of La Crosse. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated the following day, Saturday, June 1, at 10:00 a.m. at Blessed Sacrament Church, with visitation beginning one hour prior.

In memory of Bill's generous spirit and commitment to his trade and community, the family plans to endow a scholarship to support apprenticeships for future electricians.

Bill’s friendly demeanor and unique sense of humor won the hearts of many over the years. To Bill there were no strangers, only friends he had not yet met. He will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing him. His legacy of love, integrity, and kindness will continue to inspire all whose lives he touched.