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William “Bill” Stilley

January 23, 1939 - January 6, 2022
Visitation
Krause Funeral Home New Berlin
12401 West National Avenue
New Berlin, WI 53151
Thursday 1/13, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Memorial

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the EAA Aviation Foundation.

William (Bill) Stilley passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, January 6 at the age of 82. Loving husband of Theresa (nee Eufinger) for 54 years. Cherished father to Lisa Stilley (Jeff Doerr) and Linda Gygax. Adored Papa of Morgan, Greggory, Jordan (Kyle), Tayler, Logan, Liam, Alexander and Aidan. Further survived by brother Donald (Susan) Stilley, and half-siblings Gary Stilley, Mary (Doug) Langerman, Robin Villaepando and Linda Stilley as well as brothers-in-law Ken Eufinger and Gene (Betty) Cerveny and sister-in-law Darlene (John) Breuer. He is further survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his daughter Laura and son-in-law Steven Palkowski, sisters Betty Cerveny and Patti (Ron) Crader and brother Bobby (Shirley) Stilley.

William was born in Waukesha, Wisconsin. Upon graduating from Milwaukee (Boys) Tech, he joined the Air Force. He was a proud member of the US Air Force 931st Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron. His love of flying shaped his whole life. Upon leaving the service, Bill became a licensed private pilot who enjoyed building many aircrafts and working on the planes of friends. Bill was also an avid model airplane enthusiast who built and flew many model airplanes over the years.

He worked at Astronautics Corporation of America for over 40 years. During his time at Astronautics, he dedicated his work to the development of a multitude of instruments used in air crafts worldwide and several space shuttles. During his time at ACA (and into retirement) Bill happily took over the role of Santa for company Christmas parties. He was so proud to be Santa to generations of children. As a volunteer and part-owner of Capital Airport in Brookfield, “Mr. Bill” loved teaching children of all ages about airplanes and was always willing to give a plane ride to anyone who asked.

Bill was a member of many clubs – most focused on airplanes. He was a member of the Rainbow Aviator Club for over 20 years and Chapter 11 EAA Vintage Aircraft Association. He was Vice President and Board Member of the Chapter 18 EAA Experimental Aircraft Association. Finally, he was President (4 years) and earned the rare Lifetime Field License for RAMS RC Club of Milwaukee County.

Anyone who knew Bill had the honor of hearing his many airplane stories and listening to him brag with great pride about his grandchildren. We are grateful to all his friends and family who have made a difference in his life. Please know that he loved and appreciated you all.

 

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the EAA Aviation Foundation.

 

Visitation at Krause Funeral Home, 12401 West National Avenue, New Berlin, Wisconsin on Thursday, January 13, 2021, from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM.

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Visitation
Krause Funeral Home New Berlin
12401 West National Avenue
New Berlin, WI 53151
Map
Thursday 1/13, 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Memorial

In lieu of flowers, please donate to the EAA Aviation Foundation.

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William (Bill) Stilley passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, January 6 at the age of 82. Loving husband of Theresa (nee Eufinger) for 54 years. Cherished father to Lisa Stilley (Jeff Doerr) and Linda Gygax. Adored Papa of Morgan, Greggory, Jordan (Kyle), Tayler, Logan, Liam, Alexander and Aidan. Further survived by brother DonaldContinue Reading

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Richard Diercksmeier left a message on June 14, 2022:
Rest in peace Bill. I met Bill at Astronautics Corp., right around when he began working there. He and I became good friends. I recall driving him over to visit the lady who I believe became his future wife. He was an unforgettable man.
Robert Martin left a message on March 31, 2022:
Bill was such an amazing person, friend, and mentor while I was at Astronautics. His imprint on me will live forever.
Richard Diercksmeier left a message on January 21, 2022:
Please accept my condolences. I first met Bill at Astronautics Corp., shortly after we both started working there. We became immediate friends. I believe that may have been around the time that Bill first met Theresa. If I'm recalling this correctly, please let me know. If not, accept my apology. May he rest in peace.
Miles Dake left a message on January 12, 2022:
colleague at Astronautics and friend for many years. Bill was a person who it seems everyone liked. Had the ability to make the life of all who knew him better. Will miss visiting him at Capitol Drive Airport.
Barbara Stilley Graser left a message on January 11, 2022:
Also had a daughter Barbara Stilley Graser, two grandsons, two great grandchildren, and was also preceded in death, by his son Mark Stilley
Krause Funeral Home & Cremation Services left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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