Obituary: William Scott Toebaas -Class of 1969

MADISON - William Scott Toebaas died unexpectedly of natural causes on Tuesday, Sept. 2, 2008. Born on May 27, 1951, Bill was a life-long resident of Madison. As a boy Bill loved fishing in Tenney Park, camping at Devil's Lake and summer vacations in the north woods of Wisconsin. Bill graduated from Central High School and attended the University of Wisconsin. He enjoyed participating in and watching all sports. As a high school athlete, he was named to the all-city football team and was a star baseball pitcher. Bill struggled with mental illness throughout his adult life. Although Bill struggled to cope with his own disability, his kind and gentle nature was obvious to those he interacted with, as he always wanted to help others in any way he could. Bill's unique and often brutally accurate perspective of life leaves us with a smile and an emptiness at the thought of what might have been. Bill is survived by his mother, Ruth Lieberman; and a sister, Anita, both of Madison. He is also survived by a brother, Jim of Sandpoint, Idaho; a sister, Dianna of McLean, Va.; and a nephew, nieces and cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Theodore Toebaas; grandparents, Oscar and Inez Toebaas; and his stepfather, Joseph Lieberman. A memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2008, at BETHEL LUTHERAN CHURCH, 312 Wisconsin Ave., Madison, with Pastor John Swanson officiating, with visitation from 11:30 a.m. until the time of service. A special thanks to Kate, "Katy", and the wonderful staff at Blacksmith House in Madison for the kind and caring treatment Bill received throughout the years. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests making a donation to Blacksmith House, Dane County Humane Society, or a charity of your choice. Sleep well Bill, may all your dreams come true, and God Bless You. Cress Funeral and Cremation Service 3610 Speedway Road (608) 238-3434

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on September 7, 2008