William Lee Schoonover

William Lee Schoonover, age 86 of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, passed away on Sunday, April 30, 2023.

Bill was born on November 18, 1936, in Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin to Carl and Constance (Lewis) Schoonover of Holcombe, Wisconsin.  After Bill graduated from Holcombe High School in 1956, he joined the US Army serving from June 1, 1957 to July 31, 1963.

Bill married his high school sweetheart, Sandra (Gygi) on December 7, 1957, in Holcombe, Wisconsin. They celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary last December.

Bill and Sandy had three children:  Jeffrey, Wisconsin Rapids, WI, Jody (Cynthia) Salt Lake City, UT, Jill (Brian) Kulinski, Wisconsin Rapids, WI.

Bill is survived by his wife, Sandy, children, Jeffrey, Jody (Cynthia), Jill (Brian) Kulinski. Grandchildren, Garrett Schoonover (SLC, UT), Connor (Julia) Schoonover (SLC, UT), Evan (Callie) Kulinski, Wisconsin Rapids, WI.  Great-grandchildren Willow and Waylynn Kulinski.  Siblings, Lila Johnson (Eau Claire), Carleen Aaron (Eau Claire), sisters-in-law Marilyn Schoonover (Eau Claire), Luella Flater (Ladysmith).

Preceded in death by his parents, and in-laws, Phillip and Thurley Gygi, brother Thomas Schoonover, brothers-in-law Lloyd Johnson, Richard Aaron, Phillip Gygi, Earl Flater. Nephews Mark Schoonover, Terrance Flater, Michael Gygi, and niece, Cheryl Gygi.

Bill worked for 32 years at G & K Services before his retirement in 1999. 

Bill and Sandy enjoyed their winter home in Mesa, Arizona for 27 years playing cards and sharing pot lucks with their many friends and family. Bill enjoyed taking care of the orange and grapefruit orchard in the park. They sold the Mesa home in 2014 and spent three wonderful winters in Fort Walton Beach with family.

Bill enjoyed many years of hunting at the Brooks family farm in Jump River, with his son-in-law Brian and grandson Evan in City Point, and with his son Jody in Utah to elk hunt.

Bill took great pride in taking care of his yard and garden. He also enjoyed attending car shows and was meticulous about caring for his own vehicles. He was always quick to offer a helping hand to all of his neighbors and friends.

While supporting his son, Jeff, Bill became a troop leader for the special needs Boy Scout troop #105 for over 25 years.

“Grandpa Bill” looked forward to and truly enjoyed his Friday play dates with his two great granddaughters.

A visitation on Monday, May 8, 2023 from 9am to 11am with funeral service immediately following at Herman-Taylor Funeral Home located at 2201 Chestnut Street in Wisconsin Rapids, WI.  

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