William "Bill" G. Hesterberg

William “Bill” G. Hesterberg, age 80, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, May 31, 2025. He was born in Indianapolis, IN on May 26, 1945 the son of the late Gene and Margaret (Jones) Hesterberg. On June 24, 1967 he married his Wife of 55 years, Sharon L. Erkkila in Laurium, MI. She preceded him in death on May 22, 2023. Bill graduated from Lake Linden High School in Upper Michigan as Salutatorian in 1963 and went on to graduate from Michigan Technological University in 1967 with a bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering. In 1968 he earned his master’s degree from the University of Michigan. Bill worked for General Electric for a short time, making magnets for the space program, but found his calling in 1972 at Mercury Marine in Fond du Lac, where he could be found in lost foam casting, and earning some patents on the way. He finally retired, well into his seventies, in 2020.

Bill was very supportive of his wife and son. He was always there for his wife, Sharon, helping with her endeavors. His son, Brian, benefited from his support in school activities and being active with Boy Scout Troop #734, even long after Brian moved on. He wasn’t a big spender, but managed to purchase a UTV and enjoyed getting on the gas. Disc golf was a hobby he obsessed over, even having a couple deuces to his credit. A stroke in 2022 slowed him down a bit, but cancer eventually took its toll. He was a wonderful husband, his son’s best friend, and will be dearly missed.

Bill is survived by his son, Brian; brother, John (Debby) Hesterberg; sister-in-law, Diane (Pat) Thornton; nieces and nephews: Christopher (fiancée, Aurora Vanca) Hesterberg and Katie (Andrew) Moore and their children Jayden, Camden and Ethan; Kyle (Leana) Thornton and their children Leslie and Madeline, and Kimberly (Keshon) Moorehead and their children McKenna and Malachi; other loving family and friends, and cherished neighbors. He was preceded in death by his wife, Sharon; his parents; and loved step-mother, Judy (Wuebben) Hesterberg.

The funeral service will be held at 10:00 am on Saturday, June 7, 2025 at Peace Lutheran Church, 124 S. Main St., Rosendale, WI 54974, with Pastor Jonathan Stansfield officiating. A visitation will be held on Friday, June 6, 2025 from 4:00 pm until 7:00 pm at the church, and again on Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 9:00 am until the service at 10:00 am. You may view a livestream of Bill’s funeral at 10:00 am by visiting https://www.facebook.com/peacelutheranchurchrosendale. Burial will follow at Rosendale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund in Bill’s name is being established.

The family extends a special thank you to all the doctors and nurses with St. Agnes Hospital, SSM Cancer Center and SSM Hospice for their wonderful care.