Obituary of William R. Bloede

William Richard Bloede, a life-long resident, of Waukesha, Wisconsin, passed on to eternal life on Saturday, September 15, 2018 at the age of 91.

Bill was born on May 30, 1927 to the late Ervin Alfred and Evelyn Ida (Staab) Bloede.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 69 years, Carol Ann (Brust) Bloede, his children Richard Bloede (Kaye) and Debra Bloede of Waukesha as well as by two granddaughters, Caroline (Richard) Serres and Elisabeth Bloede and by great-grandchildren, Alexandra & Nicholas Serres.  He is further survived by his sisters, June (Joe) Jackson, Doris (James) Kramer, nieces and nephews and many special friends.

Bill enlisted in the Navy on June 6, 1945 during WWII after finishing his junior year of high school. He belonged to the Sea Bees stationed in the South Pacific.  After returning home with an honorable discharge in 1946, Bill went back to school and finished his senior year in six weeks continuing in the Naval Reserve until 1958. He worked at the Waukesha Post office until an opening at the Waukesha National Bank came up.  Bill spent 37 years with the bank retiring in 1983 as Vice President of Investments for the Independence Bank Group, Inc. 

While at the bank, he met the love of his life, Carol. They were married in September 1949.  With the help of family, they built their own home where they lived for many years.  Bill and Carol eventually became “snow birds,” enjoying the winter months in Sun City, AZ. Bill enjoyed dancing, camping, fishing, golfing and playing cards with family and friends.  He also enjoyed working in his garden and yard, building projects for his children’s homes and being “Mr. Fix-It” for family and friends.

Bill was a life-long member of the Evangelical and Reformed United Church of Christ in Waukesha, where he was baptized and confirmed. He was very active in his community serving on various boards.  He belonged to the American Bankers Association for 34 years, served on the board of the Optimist Club as Secretary/Treasurer, Vice President and President, was chairman of the Optimist Swim Meet and fund raisers.  He served as Treasurer, Secretary, Vice President and President of the Waukesha Training Center Board and Interim Executive Director of the Waukesha Training Center.  He served on the YMCA’s board of directors and also set up their computer system.  He was also a Town Supervisor for eleven years on the Town of Waukesha Board and on the Board of Directors for the Waukesha County Mutual Insurance Co. for 19 years.  He was an active member of the Waukesha Masonic Lodge #37, Tripoli Shrine of Milwaukee and the Waukesha County Shrine Club. In addition, he served the United Church of Christ as chairman of the Investment Committee and held the Treasurer’s position for over 20 years.

Bill will be lovingly remembered by Carol, Rick and Deb as a dedicated, loving husband and father and by all who knew him as family, friend and neighbor who made wise use of his God-given gifts to serve the church and the many community groups of which he was part of. The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to AngelsGrace Hospice for the loving care he and his family received.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, September 26, 2018 from 4:30pm until the time of the 6:15pm service at Cesarz, Charapata & Zinnecker, 237 N. Moreland Blvd., Waukesha, WI 53188. In lieu of flowers, memorials are appreciated to E & R United Church of Christ Scholarship Fund, 413 Wisconsin Ave. Waukesha WI 53186.