Obituary: William Victor Handle

William Victor Handle, 79, of the Town of Jackson (Grand Marsh) died early Tuesday morning, June 6, 2017 at the Unity Hospice Jack and Engrid Meng Residence in the Town of Ledgeview (De Pere).

He was born April 26, 1938 in Milwaukee, the son of Victor O. and Jenedien Agnes Handle. Bill attended Oak Creek High School and enlisted to serve his country with the United States Army in June 1958. He was transferred to the United States Army Reserves upon the completion of his training in December 1958 and remained with the Reserves for over five years.

Bill started working at the Sinclair filling station in South Milwaukee. He met Janet Darlene Janicek at a social gathering, and after asking each of her family members for their blessing, they were united in marriage on June 10, 1972 at Grace Lutheran Church (LCMS) in Oak Creek. Bill’s primary employment was with two spring manufacturing companies in the area. Upon his retirement in 2000, he and Janet moved away from the city and made their home in the Town of Jackson in Adams County. They remained there until mid-January 2017 when Bill’s health required him to stay with family in northeastern Wisconsin.

During his working career, he belonged to the local union and served (with Janet’s devoted assistance) as secretary/treasurer. Bill learned to work with tools and wood at early age through his father and uncle and enjoyed trips to the local hardware stores throughout his life. He was a great mechanic who always was there to help family and friends with vehicle repair or offer advice. Bill was an excellent woodworker and found great joy in making all kinds of household items and gifts for his family. He especially liked gardening and maintaining his home and surrounding land. Bill enjoyed listening to ‘50s and ‘60s music and dancing the waltz (amongst others) with Janet. Above all, though, he loved his family and looked forward to attending their various events and competitions.

Bill’s love will live on in the hearts of his dear wife, Janet, with whom he shared 45 years of marriage; four children, Mary (Richard) of Little Suamico, Darlene, Richard (Diane) of Crivitz, and Denis (Robin) of Crivitz; fifteen grandchildren, Brian (Jill), Chris (Jillian), Josh (Melissa), Katie (Erik), Ben, and Elizabeth, Matthew (Mara), Brandon (Mia), Brittany (Joe), Mimi (Arin), Katrina, and Alex, Dawn (Dave) and Karmon (Craig), and Stephanie; fifteen great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; brother, LeRoy of South Milwaukee; and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister and brother, Arlene (Wayne) Peterson and Charles; and sister-in-law, Bonita Handle.

Bill’s life will be honored with a memorial service held at 12:00 noon on Saturday, June 10, 2017 at Cotter Funeral Home, 860 N. Webster Ave., De Pere, WI 54115 with Rev. David Leistra officiating. Military honors by the United States Army and VFW Post 2113 will follow at Allouez Catholic Cemetery.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at Cotter Funeral Home on Saturday, June 10, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Those planning on attending are welcome and encouraged to WEAR RED in Bill’s honor as red was his favorite color.

“Our family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks out to the staffs of Aurora BayCare Medical Center, the Vince Lombardi Cancer Center, Aurora at Home, and Unity Hospice for the wonderful care given to Bill and compassion shown to our family.”

Arrangements have been entrusted with Huehns Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Sturgeon Bay. Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of Bill may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.huehnsfuneralhome.com.