William “Bill” M. Hand

November 3, 1950 - August 23, 2025

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Krause Funeral Home New Berlin

12401 West National Avenue

New Berlin, WI 53151

Sunday 9/7, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Krause Funeral Home New Berlin

12401 West National Avenue

New Berlin, WI 53151

Sunday 9/7, 4:00 pm

Dinner to follow.

Online donations can be made here: Elmbrook Technology Department Donations

Paper checks can be made out to The School District of Elmbrook and mailed to:

The School District of Elmbrook

C/O: Bill Hand Memorial

3555 North Calhoun Road

Brookfield, WI 53005

William M. “Bill” Hand of Brookfield, WI, passed away unexpectedly at home in the early hours of August 23, 2025. He leaves behind his wife, Kimberly, and beloved children—daughter Helen (Jodi) Fisher and son William R. (Megan) Hand, M.D.—and sister Sue (Drew) Barry. Grandchildren include Abigail and Samantha Fisher; Emi Reese, Logan, and Rediger Hand. Bill was preceded in death by his first wife, Margaret (Margy) Hand, and his grandson, William X. Hand, who passed earlier this summer. Bill has two nephews, Gage (Anne Marie) Barry and Seth (Jessica) Barry.

Born November 3, 1950, in Chicago, IL, to Dr. William J. Hand and Virginia F. Hand, he grew into an exceptional man, personally and professionally. Highlights of his youth which he enjoyed recounting include:

His love of learning
His close-knit family: parents, sister, grandparents, and aunts
Taking apart and putting back together machines, such as lawn mower engines and phones
Boating with his parents and sister
Working at Schroeder’s Hardware Store
Summer Employment at US Steel Southworks

Excelling in school, he received an undergraduate degree in biology from the University of Chicago and a graduate degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Illinois.

His career started at Chicago’s Rush-Presbyterian-St. Luke Medical Center where he met his future wife, Margaret Rediger. Soon, Bill was invited to serve as the Manager of CT Engineering at General Electric Medical Systems. This career advance meant a move to Brookfield, Wisconsin, where the couple started their family.

In November of 1986 he joined the Volunteer Elm Grove Fire Department, rising through the ranks: Firefighter, Lieutenant, Captain, Public Information Officer, and Deputy Chief. He enjoyed working with the department’s Explorer Group and on the Survive Alive Program. He was incredibly proud to be with the EGFD, having served with them almost 40 years. Bill was also a certified Arson Inspector.

His professional success continued, becoming VP of Engineering at a magnetic resonance accessories company, and then VP of Engineering at a medical device manufacturing firm. Next, he did something absolutely out of the ordinary – he quit the corporate world and purchased the Village Bookstore in Menomonee Falls. To this day, people still comment on the significant contribution his store made to the community. In this endeavor, as all others, he enriched every life he touched.

Bill thrived as an IT consultant during the last 18 years through his company, PC Assistants. Every client knew they were getting the very best computer expertise; their many notes and cards of thanks sent over the years are now small treasures.

To all those grieving Bill’s passing, (and that includes his wife’s father, her siblings, their spouses, and children) we can take comfort in knowing that he graced our lives, giving us—everyday and always—the very best his big heart and gifted brain had to offer. We knew him to be wise, compassionate, patient, steadfast, witty, and, yes, stubborn. He lived with integrity, an unwavering sense of right and wrong, and a remarkable ability to remain true to self in the most difficult situations. He was frequently sought out for advice and help on many and varied situations. To be needed fed his soul.

One last thing… We can’t forget how he loved to say, “I built my first computer in 1975.”

To honor Bill’s lifelong passion for technology, the family asks that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Elmbrook Schools Technology Department.

Contributions will provide financial assistance to future generations in several ways, such as: (1) supporting technology programming for all students across the Elmbrook Schools; and (2) funding the Elmbrook Education Foundation’s Elmbrook Connects scholarship which benefits students pursuing careers in Information Technology.

Visitation will be Sunday, September 7, 2025, from 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin. A service paying tribute to his life will begin at 4:00 PM with dinner to follow.

Online donations can be made here: Elmbrook Technology Department Donations

Paper checks can be made out to The School District of Elmbrook and mailed to:

The School District of Elmbrook

C/O: Bill Hand Memorial

3555 North Calhoun Road

Brookfield, WI 53005

Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services

Susan Barry

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Krause Funeral Home New Berlin

12401 West National Avenue

New Berlin, WI 53151

Map

Sunday 9/7, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm

Krause Funeral Home New Berlin

12401 West National Avenue

New Berlin, WI 53151

Map

Sunday 9/7, 4:00 pm

Dinner to follow.

Online donations can be made here: Elmbrook Technology Department Donations

Paper checks can be made out to The School District of Elmbrook and mailed to:

The School District of Elmbrook

C/O: Bill Hand Memorial

3555 North Calhoun Road

Brookfield, WI 53005

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Bill was truly a great man. I am very sorry for your loss and will say a pray for him daily.

I miss you terribly. My life will not be the same without you. I am thankful for memories.

We are thinking if you during this difficult time.Love,Kyle, Theresa, Ashly and Quinton

Simply Elegant Spathiphyllum was purchased for the family of William Hand by Theresa Christensen. Send Flowers

Our very deepest sympathy for the passing of Bill. We so enjoyed his visits to our home and his patience while helping us with all of our technology needs. He was a wonderful man and he made such a difference in the lives he touched. Nancy and Dave Lorenz

Bill & I became friends 25yrs. Bill as a man, Quite, Intelligent, Loyal, Humble, Extremely Honest. He also loved creating Spreadsheets! He blossomed when Kim came into his life! Amazing, Loving, & Generous Man.

Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.

Deepest Sympathy to Kim!, Children, Grandchildren, & Extended Family. Bill & I were clients I was called his Grasshopper. Taught me how to use PC & turned me into a Tech

You will be greatly missed by your friends and neighbors at Heather Ridge Condominiums. Our deepest condolences to your entire family.

Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.

William “Bill” M. Hand

Brookfield

Brown Deer Road

Capitol Drive

New Berlin