William “Bill” Svendsen passed away on May 16, 2020 after a courageous fight with Alzheimer’s and COVID-19. He was 83 years old.
Born on the shores of Lake Superior to Einer and Mary Svendsen in 1936, Bill grew up loving the North woods of Wisconsin. He fondly recalled exploring his native Ashland and the surrounding lands where he loved to boat the Apostle Islands, fish and hunt. At the age of 18, he enlisted in the United States Navy serving proudly on the USS Hermitage (LSD 34), working as a radarman and Petty Officer 2nd Class—a career he loved and was incredibly proud of.
After 4 years of service in the Navy he moved to Milwaukee where he worked for Square D until deciding to return to college at age 37. Bill would graduate from the Milwaukee School of Engineering (MSOE) with his degree in Industrial Engineering Technology and go on to work at various businesses around Milwaukee including the West Bend Company and Reinz Wisconsin Gasket. While at Reinz, he was particularly proud of his work on hazardous waste reduction solutions; the accomplishments of he and his colleagues would earn the company a Governor’s Award for Excellence in Hazardous Waste Reduction in 1992. Eventually, he would retire from his favorite position at Dana Corporation (formerly Reinz Wisconsin Gasket) in Brown Deer, WI. Bill thoroughly enjoyed his work and was a meticulous problem solver. He would speak highly of his colleagues and experiences long after retirement.
Bill had a steadfast love for his family and life, and was unconditionally loved in return. He lived simply and had a warm, reserved demeanor that would shine through in his soft smile and bright blue eyes. He found joy in projects around the home and garage, building bird houses and more in his workshop, and would readily help others when needed. There wasn’t a classic car or motorcycle he didn’t love.
Later in life he was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease and lived bravely each day with his beloved wife and daughter by his side. As a family, they would enjoy time in the yard among the flowers and birds, star gaze, dance in the kitchen, watch movies on ‘Family Saturdays’, paint pictures, work on math equations and go antiquing. No matter the hour, Bill would light up at the mention of his days in the Navy and the names of his beloved family members; a lifelong Catholic, attending church, when able, was important to him. On particularly treasured days you could find him singing his favorite Hank Williams or holiday songs as he had perfect pitch and could easily carry a tune. To watch his decline from afar at the hands of Coronavirus is a cruelty his family will carry forever. Our sincerest wish is that he felt no pain as he joined the stars in Heaven.
Bill is survived by his wife Joyce (Mahnke) and daughter Carolina (“Cari”). He is further survived by his dear brother James “Jim” Svendsen of Minnesota, treasured nieces, nephews and close friends.