Obituary: William Nyman

April 21, 1983 ~ October 21, 2020

William “Bill” Joseph Nyman, age 37, of Baileys Harbor, died in a car accident on October 21, 2020 in the mountains of New Mexico, doing what he loved, elk hunting. The hunting mentality and respect for the sport was instilled in Bill by his father who introduced him to the hobby at a young age.  For most people, hunting is just that, a hobby; not for Bill though, he was one of the lucky ones that was able to make his passion a career.  Over the years, and with the go-ahead nod from his wife, Dani, Bill travelled the world as a guide.  He hunted ducks from Texas to Alaska, deer in Hawaii, turkeys in Mexico, moose in Canada, tahr and stag in New Zealand, alligators in Florida, wild boar in Texas, and elk in Montana and New Mexico.  Bill was also captain of his fishing boats with First Choice Charters in Bailey’s Harbor and owned and operated Ragged Reef Outfitters. He fished everywhere he could find water including the Bahamas, Hawaii, New Zealand, Indonesia, Alaska and as a child in the back-yard pond behind his childhood home.  Bill had the courage, knack, and charisma to make his dreams become reality; true grit that was admired by all. 

With all his professional accolades (that have made taxidermists rich), no role was more important to Bill than husband and father.  Bill and Dani met in Baileys Harbor on a fishing boat and were set-up by a friend. Four years later, he proposed to her on a mountaintop in Yellowstone National Park.  He was welcomed in by Dani’s family and the rest of the Door County community where they settled.  Both having a love for nature, Bill and Dani enjoyed all the outdoor activities Door County has to offer, especially hiking the trails Bill made in their back yard and walking the shoreline of Lake Michigan.  They travelled the world together and had so many more places left on their bucket list to explore.  In 2018, their daughter Mira Ellen was born.  Bill taught her everything she needed to know about elk and turkey calls and why the Packers are the most dominant team in football.  She was his “sweet pea” and our hearts break knowing that he will not be able to watch her grow through the years.  Bill was deeply devoted to Dani and Mira and was ready to defend and protect them in any circumstance.  He was not afraid to share his convictions with you and share how one’s actions and opinions might hurt the ones he so deeply loved.  He was always looking out for them, so much that at times Dani would refer to him as being the “helicopter parent.”  In August, Bill and Dani announced they were pregnant with their second child, due in April 2021.  It is an understatement to say that these two Nyman children are loved; they will know their father through the memories, pictures, stories, and the legacy that Bill leaves behind and that we will share with them always. 

In 2001, Bill graduated from New London Senior High School.  During his school years was when Bill’s personality and wit began to shine.  He was quick with a joke and clever with a friendly jab.  He kept people on their toes and was also a friend you could count on to talk Packers / Badgers football.  Bill went on to college at the University of Wisconsin – Stevens Point, following in his big sisters’ footsteps, which he took full advantage of having a sister in a house off campus.  He graduated with two degrees, one in wildlife and the other in biology; he also played on the Pointer football team where he was well-liked and made lifelong friends.  He kept in touch with so many through weddings, visits, and sharing his hilarious stories through Snapchat.  He was so loved.

Bill was born on April 21, 1983 in Missoula, Montana and died on October 21, 2020 near Silver City, New Mexico.  Bill leaves behind his loving wife, Danielle “Dani” Nyman; his daughter, Mira Nyman; and a child to be born in April 2021; parents, Mel “Butch” Nyman Jr. and Mary Denis Nyman; siblings, Melissa Nyman (Michael Nygard), Jennifer (Hans) Rufenacht, Michael (Nichole and children, Ali and Jason) Nyman, half-brother Jamie (Cody and family) Bronk; and two nieces who loved their Uncle Bill so much, Veda and Margot; his father and mother-in-law, Chris and Robin Warecki; brother and sister-in-law, Michael and Mandi Warecki; Dani’s grandparents, Jay and Bonnie Warecki; special Aunt, Jackie (Bryce) Jacoby and his cousin, Elizabeth Jacoby (special friend Thomas); God parents, Dick and Jeanne Maas.  He is also survived by his business partner, Todd (Holly) Haleen and family, and Bill was Godfather to their son, Everett.  Bill is further survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins who we know loved him dearly, Peg (Greg) Otis, Kim (Grace) Nyman, Al Nyman, Mary Hewins, George (Cindy) Moore, Mark (Jackie) Warecki, Karen (Bill) Zoelle, Joyce Nyman and Carole Ristow; along with numerous cousins and extended family.  Bill also met and befriended many hunters and business partners throughout his travels; he was grateful for these friendships and we know they will keep chasing that big one for him. 

“Bill,

You lived your life with no regrets. You had the courage to follow your passions and do what you loved.  You were charismatic and generous to those who knew you.  You were the most wonderful father and husband we could have asked for.  You shared your passions for the outdoors with our daughter, taught her to be brave and kind, and could make her laugh like no one else.  Mira and I are so blessed to have had you in our lives and will love you forever and always. 

Love, Dani”

An outdoor memorial services will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2020 at 11:00 a.m. Huehns Funeral Home, located at 1414 Michigan Street, Sturgeon Bay, WI with Pastor Mark Billington of First Baptist Church in Sister Bay officiating. Visitation will be held from 9:00 until the time of service. Please dress according to the weather. Masks and social distancing are mandatory.

In lieu of flowers, Bill’s family is asking for letters to Mira and the new baby describing how amazing of a person and father was, so that his memory will live on with them forever.

Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Bill may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.