William P. Churkey Jr.

William “Bill” Pierre Churkey, Jr., age 70, of Spencer, Wisconsin, passed away at his home the early morning of Sunday, April 19, 2026.

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Hansen-Schilling Funeral Home (1010 E. Veterans Parkway in Marshfield, WI). Pastor Heather Brown will officiate. Visitation will be from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service at the funeral home. Burial will follow at Hillside Cemetery in Marshfield.

William was born on May 4, 1955, the son of William and Georgette (Holstein) Churkey in Marshfield. He graduated from Marshfield Senior High in 1973. On May 1, 1976, he was united in marriage to the love of his life, Kathleen Parmelee, at Faith Lutheran Church in Marshfield.

He worked at Marshfield Door Industry for 45 years, retiring in 2020, and was a member of Local 1733 Carpenters Union and Whitetails Unlimited.

In his younger years, he enjoyed NASCAR and collectibles, and a good cold beer.

In his spare time, William enjoyed traveling with his wife and grandkids, camping, hunting, fishing, and helping his son with concrete work. But most of all, he loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, Cayden and Mackensey. He enjoyed watching them play sports, and took them on many vacations.

William was the jack of all trades. He liked to take things apart to see how it worked and then put it back together.

He was always there to give advice to his grandkids on how to shoot the biggest buck, to how to catch the biggest fish. His best fish story was the alligator in the Wis. River in Tomahawk. His favorite bait was Mepps #4, bucktail version until his granddaughter learned to fish, then it was still Mepps #4 – but the pink color. His best hunting story was the one time his gun jammed.

William was always there to offer guidance and willingness to help. Those who knew him best will miss his cooking over the fire pit.

He is survived by the love of his life, Kathleen; his son, Matt (Brenda) Churkey of Auburndale; and his two very special grandchildren, Mackensey and Cayden Churkey. They meant the world to him.

He is further survived by his siblings, Francine (Albert) Kadrlik of Spencer, Marie (Terry) Pankratz of Marshfield, and Gary Churkey of Kronenwetter; his wife Kathleen’s sisters and their spouses; and numerous nieces and nephews.

William was a great family man who will truly be missed and forever in our hearts.

He is preceded in death by his daughter, Christine “Chrissy” Churkey, who was there to greet him with open arms; his parents, William and Georgette; his father-and-mother-in-law, Jim and Shirley Parmelee; and a sister-in-law, Rose Bolopue.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Christine Churkey Memorial Fund for Parish Education, Faith Lutheran Church in Marshfield.

Online condolences may be made at www.hansenschillingfuneralhome.com for your convenience.

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