William “Bill” Lee Reifsnider

William “Bill” Lee Reifsnider

William “Bill” Lee Reifsnider, age 85 of Beaver Dam, passed away at home on Thursday, October 18, 2018.

Bill was born at home in Beaver Dam on April 17, 1933, the son of Frank O. and Edna B. (Pollnow) Reifsnider. In 1955, he was united in marriage to his first wife Shelby Kline. In 1981, he was united in marriage to Suzanne “Sue” E. Phelps Henderson at Grace Presbyterian Church in Beaver Dam. He retired from John Deere after working there for over 28 years. Bill enjoyed his skydiving days at Seven Hills, as well as racing snowmobiles for Rupp and John Deere in the 1960’s and early 70’s, including a race from Winnipeg to St. Paul. He earned many first place trophies, but he still came home every time only to tear the machine down and try to make it faster. Annually from 1982-1999, he would take 5-7 people bear hunting in Canada, trips he lived for. After he was done bear hunting, he began turkey hunting and loved having his wife Sue by his side. While camping, they enjoyed snowmobiling in the winter and ATV riding in the summer. They took their trip of a lifetime through Canada, Alaska, and the Northwest, and they also cherished their snowmobiling trip to Yellowstone. When not hunting or camping with Sue, he could be found working in his workshop building Ko-Karts. He built one for himself and one for Austin with Austin at his side working right with him.  This later went to Maddie and Brody, and eventually Ashlynn. He helped Jeff and Mike with their Ko-Karts as well, but always made sure his went faster! A lover of engines, he rebuilt many John Deere Garden Tractors and was a member of the T&T Riders, Burnett,  and the Sno-Kat Snowmobile Club, Horicon Bowmen’s Club, the Hatfield ATV Riders, John Deere Spitfire Retirees,  and volunteered for over 20 years with the EAA.

Bill is survived by his wife, Sue Reifsnider of Beaver Dam; sons, Jeffrey L. (Sherry) Reifsnider of Beaver Dam, Michael W. (Kelley) Reifsnider of Juneau, R. John (Katie Crowley) Henderson of Lake Mills; daughters, Patricia J. (Chris) Reifsnider of New Glarus, Barbara J. Moen of Fox Lake, Norma Jean (Brad Jonas) Henderson of Chicago; grandchildren, Corey (Shannon) Reifsnider, Nicholas Reifsnider, Cody Reifsnider, Jessica (Cory) Seymour, Jayme (Jeremy) Schwoch, Tanya (Tony) Kufalk, Madelyn J. Henderson, Brody J. Henderson, Justin (Crystal) Stalker, Ryan (Hailey) Stalker, Jordan Stalker; great-grandchildren, River W. Reifsnider, Aubrey Reifsnider, Addison Reifsnider, Jannesa Handrow, Dylan Scherwinske, Shaune Scherwinske, Ashlynn Schwoch, Nicholas Kufalk, Kayelee Kufalk, Madelyn Seymour,  Mason Seymour, Riley Stalker, Jaydah Stalker, Lila Stalker and Carson Stalker; brothers- and sisters-in-law, Robert (Mary) Reifsnider of Beaver Dam, Eugene (Martha) Phelps and Jerald (Linda) Phelps of Baraboo, James Phelps of Altoona, and further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jerome and Duane Reifsnider, sister and brother-in-law, Betty and Keith Preibusch; brother and sister-in-law, Orville (Bud) and Geraldine Reifsnider; grandson, Austin Michael Reifsnider; nieces, Sandy and Judy Preibusch; father- and mother-in-law, Clinton and Nelda Phelps; and other relatives.

Visitation for Bill will take place on Thursday, October 25, 2018 at Grace Presbyterian Church, 215 Gould St, Beaver Dam from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the funeral service at 12:00 p.m. with Rev. Chris Davis officiating. Burial will take place at Oakwood Cemetery.

If desired, memorials in Bill’s name may be made to Grace Presbyterian Church or Hillside Hospice.

“I will wait for you on the other side of the moon”

Cornerstone Funeral & Cremation Services in Beaver Dam is honored to be serving the family. You may send private online condolences or sign the family’s guest book at www.cstonefs.com.