William F. Lancaster, age 83, of Hayward, WI passed away on Wednesday, September 18, 2019 at Water’s Edge Care Center in Hayward.

William Francis Lancaster was born June 7, 1936 in Chicago, IL the son of William L. and Mildred (Fleischauer) Lancaster.   He was raised in Chicago and attended grammar school at Bennett School and then Fenger High School.  William joined the US Navy on February 12, 1954 and served until April 30, 1958 when he was honorably discharged.  While in the service he earned the Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Medal.  Bill returned to Chicago where he met and married Deanna Mack.  Bill and Deanna were married on July 18, 1959 in Chicago at the Holy Rosary Irish Catholic Church.  He continued his education at Morraine Valley College in Illinois.  Bill began work for IIT Research Institute as an Electronic Technician.  While in Oaklawn, IL he assisted with the Little League and Boy Scouts of America programs.  In 1969, Bill began traveling for his job to Clam Lake, WI where he was involved with the E.L.F. Project.  With his work bringing him to northern Wisconsin he and Deanna decided to move to Hayward, WI in 1985.  Bill retired in January of 2002.  He was a member of the Moose Lodge, Knights of Columbus and St. Joseph Catholic Church, all in Hayward.

Bill is survived by his wife of 60 years, Deanna; four children, William (Kristi) Lancaster of Duluth, MN, Philip Lancaster of Hayward, WI, Dorothy (Kevin) Folz of Rice Lake, WI, James (Shawn) Lancaster of Alton, IA; one daughter-in-law, Anna; five grandchildren; three step grandchildren; two great grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews and cousins. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, Joseph Lancaster; step father, George Beiriger; step brother, Ed Beiriger; and step sister, Barbara Pelc.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held for William at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, September 25th, at St. Joseph Catholic Church with Father David Neuschwander officiating.  A visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday at the church.  Military honors will be accorded by the Wisconsin Military Funeral Honors Program.  Interment will be in the Greenwood Cemetery in Hayward.

Last Update: Sep 23, 2019 7:34 am CDT