William “Bill” Raymond O’Dell, a gifted artist, innovative industrial designer, and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on December 12, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was 98 years old.
Born on August 24, 1926, in Waukegan, Illinois to Arthur and Alice O’Dell, Bill was the eldest of three children, with sisters Alice and Edith. From his earliest days, Bill displayed a remarkable passion for aviation and art—twin interests that would shape the course of his extraordinary life. As a boy, he spent countless hours in the fields near his home, flying model airplanes with friends and continually refining his designs to keep them aloft longer. This early fascination with flight, coupled with his natural artistic talent, set the foundation for a lifetime of creative pursuits.
Bill proudly served his country as a Navy Veteran during World War II, stationed in the Pacific as a Gunner’s Mate aboard LST818. Upon returning home after his military service, he worked in various factories throughout the Waukegan area before using the GI Bill to pursue his education at the Illinois Institute of Design in Chicago.
It was during his time as a student that Bill met Joanne Guth, a fellow art enthusiast studying at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, who was working as a waitress at the Shoppers Grill Restaurant. Their shared passion for art blossomed into a deep and enduring love story that began with their marriage on April 14, 1952.
Bill’s professional journey took the young couple to Middle River, Maryland, where he worked for Glenn L. Martin Company on the Seamaster Airplane and missile development. Following a setback when government contracts were withdrawn, Bill returned to Chicago and completed his bachelor’s degree in Product Design at the Illinois Institute of Technology. After brief stints with Container Corporation and Precision Scientific Company, where he discovered his interest in medical design, Bill joined General Electric Medical Systems in Milwaukee in 1965.
During his 26-year career at GE Medical Systems, Bill rose to become Chief Industrial Designer, holding two patents for his groundbreaking work on the original CT scanner and designing numerous pieces of medical equipment that improved healthcare delivery worldwide. Following his retirement from GE, he established a consulting business that allowed him to share his expertise with companies around the globe. Bill later joined the Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design as an Industrial Design Instructor, continuing to shape young minds until his full retirement at age 83.
Throughout his life, Bill pursued his creative passions with remarkable energy and talent. He was an active member of the Bong Eagles, sharing his love of aviation with fellow enthusiasts and winning multiple awards for building and flying model airplanes. At Danebod Family Camps, he taught model airplane building and flying to new generations. Bill also volunteered his time generously at the Walkers Point Art Center, supporting the arts community he loved.
A multifaceted artist, Bill expressed himself through acrylic and watercolor painting, model ship and airplane building, Lionel train set operations, poetry writing, and woodworking. Together with Joanne, he participated in numerous art fairs, where she created pastel portraits while he sold his award-winning paintings.
Above all, Bill was a loving husband and devoted father who cherished time with his children as they grew, and later, with his grandchildren, supporting their unique interests and passions. When Jeff joined the family as a foster child, Bill helped him discover what would become his career playing the double bass—a testament to Bill’s nurturing spirit and ability to recognize and encourage potential in others.
Bill is survived by his son, John (Peggy); Elaine Moertl (Stephen’s living partner) ; daughters, Maurya (Richard) Perkins and Vickie (Deleana Strohl) O’Dell; grandchildren, Tabitha O’Dell (Justin), Morgan Tobin (Matthew), Zachary Carroll, and Aaron; three great-grandchildren, Richard, Jayce, and Harper; and great-great-grandson, Kyson.
Bill is preceded in death by his parents, Alice and Arthur O’Dell; sisters, Alice Abel and Edith Kuhn; and son, Stephen James O’Dell.
Bill O’Dell lived a rich, creative life filled with innovation, art, and the profound love of family. His legacy lives on in his designs, his artwork, and the countless lives he touched as an artist, mentor, and father.
A joint Celebration of Life for both Bill and Joanne O’Dell will be held on June 7, 2025, at Krause Funeral Home, 21600 West Capitol Drive, Brookfield, Wisconsin. Visitation begins at 9:30 AM with the ceremony at 11:00 AM. Lunch will follow at Maxim’s restaurant, 18025 West Capitol, Brookfield, Wisconsin.
Please contact Vickie if you plan to attend the lunch.
In honor of Bill and Joanne’s colorful, artistic lives, guests are encouraged to dress in vibrant colors if desired.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Cancer Society in Bill’s honor.
