William J. Geertsen

William J. “Bill” Geertsen, 98, passed away Wednesday morning, September 2, 2020 with his family at his side. William was born in Portage Le Prairie, Manitoba, Canada on July 19, 1922, son of the late William and Anna (nee: Verwey) Geertsen, (immigrants from the Netherlands).

Bill graduated from Wm Horlick High School in 1941, and proudly served in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Machinist Mate, achieving the rank of 2nd Class Petty Officer. He was united in marriage to Jacqueline Pfeiffer on May 13, 1950, at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church. They shared nearly 62 wonderful years together until Jackie preceded him in death on January 26, 2012. Bill was employed as a tool and die maker with Walker Mfg. for 46 years before retiring in 1987. He was an active and longtime member of St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Holy Name Society, Knights of Columbus, and Altar Boy Society. A loving father, he was energetically involved with his children, especially with Scouts and sports. He loved dancing with his wife and treasured their retirement in The Villages in Florida. Bill and Jackie could often be seen on stage there, demonstrating the art of square dancing. He also enjoyed golfing, tennis, cards, pickleball and dartball. Above all, Bill cherished the time he spent with his family. Some special Dad-isms to reflect and share: “A little of each,” “Always find the good in everything,” “In God’s hands.” Bill and Jackie’s song was "Always."

Bill will be dearly missed by his children, Sue (Eric) Pedersen of Sun City West, AZ, Ann (Greg) Shea of Racine, Dave (Sharon) Geertsen of Village of Somers, Paul Geertsen of Chandler, AZ (Nancy Thoennes of California), John (Beth) Geertsen of Wauwatosa, Steve (Paula) Geertsen of Plymouth, MN; 14 grandchildren, Hans (Charity) Pedersen, Julie (Matt) Gill, Sara (Steven) Benner, Laura Shea (Tim Ecker), Andrew (Jessica) Geertsen, Mitchell and Lincoln Geertsen, Katharine, Margaret and Claire Geertsen, Alyssa (Cole Wiskow), Anna, Abby and Owen Geertsen; 12 great-grandchildren, Krista, Irene, and Naomi Pedersen, Aryn, Analee, and Ayla Gill, Adam and Aubrey Benner, Virginia and Violet Ecker, Thayne and Lyanna Geertsen; Big Sister Anna (Iny) Geertsen (103 yrs. old); sisters and brothers-in-law: Lucille Felton, Rita Krogh, Elaine Stuhr, Raymond (Shirley) Pfeiffer, his loving Granger family; nieces, nephews, other relatives and many dear friends. In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by sisters and brother: Nellie Geertsen, John Geertsen, Marie (Bernard) Kuypers, Christine (Bill) Bohn; sisters and brothers-in-law: Lorraine (Ed) Tomasek, Arnie Felton, Joan (Walter) Johnson, Carl Stuhr and Stan Krogh.

A Memorial Mass celebrating Bill's life will be held on August 17, 2021, 11:00 AM at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 1533 Erie St., Private interment will be held at the Southern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Town of Dover. Memorials to St. Joseph Catholic Church have been suggested.

Thank you for the loving care from Ascension All Saints Hospital staff and hospice, especially on 2D for making Bill so comfortable in his transition to eternal life and for supporting all of us.