Obituary: William Harold Ferris, Sr.

MADISON [Wisconsin] - William Harold Ferris Sr., age 92, died peacefully at Oakwood Village on Tuesday, Dec. 18, 2001. He was born on Sept. 26, 1909, in Madison, the son of Albert Eugene Ferris and Mary Isabel (Butler) Ferris. Bill married Margaret Arline Parkin on Dec. 21, 1935. Bill graduated from Longfellow School, Madison Central High School, and the University of Wisconsin School of Electrical Engineering in Madison. He worked for Madison Gas and Electric and Kennedy Dairy prior to joining Wisconsin Power and Light Company in 1937. He retired as senior vice president in 1974 after more than 37 years with the utility. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a radar maintenance officer on the U.S.S. Chenango. He was a registered professional engineer and was active in numerous civic, community and industry activities, including the Golden K Kiwanis. He was a charter member of Heritage Congregational Church. Bill was active in amateur athletics at Madison Central High School, Kennedy Dairy and the UW-Madison. He was an avid golfer and was a member of Nakoma Golf Club for more than 25 years. Survivors include his four daughters, Gwen (Jerry) Splinter of Adams-Friendship, Susan (Jerry) Carter of Madison. Sally (Glenn) Kirsch of New Hampshire, and Mary (Ron) Ruble of Oregon, Wis.; a son, Tom Ferris (LeAnne Puntney) of Madison; a brother, Robert Gregory (Jerrie) Ferris of Virginia; 10 grandchildren, Jerry (Jackie) Splinter Jr. of Milton, Debra (J.R.) Brimmer of Sun Prairie, Pam (Jeff) Johnson of North Freedom, Kristin Carter (Dan) Eschrich of Illinois, Rick (Kelli) Carter of Illinois, Krista Kisch of Texas, Michael Kisch of California, Bob Ferris of Madison, Mike Ferris (Linda Czar) of New Berlin, and Tricia Ferris of Madison; 14 great-grandchildren; two daughters-in-law, Connie Ferris (John) Bailey and Aileen Ferris, both of Madison; a special friend, Beatrice David of Madison; and a cousin, John (Jinny) Butler of Madison; and nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife, Margaret; a son, William H. Ferris Jr. (former Dane County sheriff); his parents; and two brothers, Raymond (Fern) Ferris and Stanley (Jane) Ferris. The family wants to thank a special friend, Jack Zwettler; Lisa Boehlke and the other caregivers at Hospice; the physicians at UW Health; and the caregivers at Oakwood for all their help to Bill and his family during his illness. Please join the family at HERITAGE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, 3102 Prairie Road, Madison, on Friday, Dec. 21, 2001, at 11 a.m. in a service of celebration. Following the service there will be a gathering of family and friends at the church. A lunch will be served. Burial will be in the Protestant Cemetery, Mazomanie, following lunch. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials in Bill's name to Heritage Congregational Church, HospiceCare or the Oakwood Foundation. Cress Funeral Service (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 20, 2001; submitted by Michael Vahldieck (Class of 1968)