William "Bill" James Blandford

With his family by his side, William James Blandford, age 74, passed away August 31, 2024, at the Hospice House in Pleasant Prairie. He was born in Heidelberg, Germany, May 7, 1950, son of the late BG (Ret) William and Ann (Nee: Brown) Blandford.

Bill proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, as a Transportation Corps officer and officer in the Judge Advocate General Corps. He was a graduate of the University of Wisconsin and received his law degree from the University of Virginia. Bill met the love of his life, while playing bridge on a blind date, and on August 18, 1973, he was united in marriage to Elisabeth Raymond. Bill was a Law Professor at Gateway Technical College for 35 years until his retirement in 2017. He was a member and treasurer of the Educated Investment Group. Bill was an avid sports fan, cheering on the Brewers, Badgers and Packers. He loved being near the lake and the four seasons in Wisconsin. Above all, it was time spent with his family that he cherished most. His dedication and participation in his children’s activities was always his top priority.

He was loved dearly and will be sadly missed by his wife, Lissy, of 51 years; daughter, Rev. Jennifer (Brian) Gleichauf, Mary (Edwin) Callahan; four grandchildren, Evangeline Gleichauf, William, Lucas and Levi Callahan; brother, Robert Blandford; sister, Lynn Blandford; in-laws, Charles (Peggy) Nielsen, Larison Helm; his beloved golden retriever, Sunny; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Helm and brother-in-law, Andrew Raymond.

Funeral Services celebrating Bill’s life will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 716 College Ave, 11:00am, Saturday Sept. 14, with Rev. Darren Utley officiating. Relatives and friends are welcome to meet with the family for a visitation at 10:00am until the time of the service at the church. A private interment with Full Military Honors will be held at Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials to First Presbyterian Church have been suggested by the family.

A very special thank you to Harvest Home Caregivers and Hospice Alliance for their loving and compassionate care.