William Edward Bednar

William Edward Bednar RACINE - William Edward Bednar, age 85, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2018 at his residence. William was born on July 16, 1932 to parents Edward V. Bednar and Margaret C. (Darge) Bednar in Racine, Wisconsin. Bill was united in marriage to Selma (Ketola) Bednar on June 21, 1956 at Holy Communion Lutheran Church, where he was a lifetime member. He was employed at Young Radiator in Racine, retiring in 1991. Bill loved horses. It began when he was a young boy. He would wander off and his mother would find him several blocks away petting the legs of the Progressive Dairy milk horses. In his early teens, Bill volunteered his time taking care of the horses in exchange for rides at Horlick's Riding Academy. In his late teens, Bill loved swimming and diving off the high walls at the Racine quarry on Hwy 38. For three years, Bill proudly served in the United States Marine Corps. He was stationed in Japan. It was very emotional for him when they did maneuvers on Iwo Jima. After the Marines, Bill went to work for Service, then to Kranz Paper Co. In 1955 Bill met the love of his life, Selma. His best buddy, Jim Boggs and Selma's sister, Sue, introduced them. They went on a blind date which ended in 61 years of marriage. Bill enjoyed old western movies, Roy Rodgers being his favorite. He had a great interest in reading about any past history, especially Racine. Bill enjoyed weight lifting and writing his own work-out routines. He had a fondness for classic cars, especially the 50's, which he shared with his son, Dan and going to car shows with Dan and his grandsons. Bill had a talent not too many knew, he loved to draw. In 2007, Bill had a stroke that left him unable to drive and stopped him from doing many other things he enjoyed, like cutting the grass and daily household chores. Bill is survived by his wife, Selma, daughter, Bonnie (Bob) Lira, brother, Don (Barbara) Bednar, sister-in-law, Eileen Bednar; grandsons, Chris (Amy) Bergman, Scott (Shana) Bergman, and Paul (Jennifer) Bergman; great grandchildren, Ethan, Caleb, Seth, Nadia, Landen, and Conner Bergman; step grandchildren, Darian (Aura) Lira, and David (Zoe Baxter) Lira; and step great grandchildren, Hayden Richtmyer, Alex Hull, Alexia, Darian, Aramis, and Sofia Lira. Special people in Bill's life, daughter-in-law, Jana (Terry) Snyder, Bob and Sue Duffeck, his mother-in-law, Pauline (Ketola) Rose, of Newberry, Michigan, who will be celebrating her 108th birthday!, 12 sisters-in-law, 11 brothers-in-law, and MANY, MANY nieces and nephews. Bill also enjoyed fun trips with Selma, Dan, Bonnie, and other family members to the U.P. for many family reunions. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Edward Bednar, and his son, Daniel Bednar. Visitation will be held at Sturino Funeral Home on Saturday, April 21, 2018 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. with memorial service to follow. Bill will be remembered with full Military Honors. Private burial will take place on Monday, April 23, 2018 at West Lawn Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations be made in Bill's memory to Holy Communion Lutheran Church under one of the following; the organ fund, or Bednar Act fund. A BIG, heartfelt thank you to Ascension Home Hospice, especially to Cara, Tia, and Peggy for their care and compassion that Bill received during his last days. Happy Trails to you, Bill, until we meet again!

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William Edward Bednar

July 16, 1932 - April 8, 2018