Obituaries

William Louis Germann, age 98, of Eau Claire, WI passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 16, at Cambridge Senior Living in Eau Claire under hospice care for congestive heart failure and Covid-related complications.

Bill was born on July 12, 1925, on the home farm in the Town of Washington, Eau Claire, WI to Reinhart and Agnes (Rickard) Germann. He attended elementary school in Brackett and high school in Eau Claire before volunteering for the United States Army prior to graduation during World War II. After completing training, he was assigned to the C Co 185th Infantry 40 Division, participating in the Philippines/Korea Campaigns. SSGT William Germann was awarded a Bronze Star for meritorious achievement in ground operations against the enemy in the Southern Philippines Campaign.

On November 29, 1947, Bill was united in marriage to Ethel Anderson. During their marriage, they enjoyed traveling around the country and Mexico, together with numerous trips to Louisiana bringing back shrimp for his sales business in the area. After 44 years of marriage, she passed away in 1991.

Bill spent many years as a liquor salesman in the north central Wisconsin area.

He also very much enjoyed woodworking, music, dancing, casinos, traveling, his Lincoln Continental and Mercedes cars, parades, and singing his favorite song, “City Lights.”

He was a life member of the Eau Claire VFW Post 305, and charter member of the American Legion Post 550 in Brackett.

Bill is survived by his sister-in-law, Shirley Johnson; nephew, James Germann (Patty Dekan); great nieces, Cari (Jason) Jaquish and Jodi (Kevin) Zinsmaster; niece, Sharon Germann; great-nephews, Richard Germann and Michael (Julie) Germann; and niece Karen (Pat) Varpness; and many great-great nieces and nephews. Bill is also survived by his very special friend, Joanne Smith.

Preceding him in death were his wife; parents; brothers, James A. Germann and Timothy Germann; brothers-in-law, Bob Johnson, Don (Ann) Ausman, Ernie (Alice) Anderson, Bob (Bonnie) Anderson, and Alton (Agnes) Karlstad; nephew, Ronald Germann; and niece, Connie Germann.

On Thursday, December 21, at 1:00 pm, the American Legion Post 550 Honor Guard will hold a military rites ceremony at the Rest Haven Cemetery in the Town of Washington, to be followed with a Celebration of Life at American Legion Post 550 in Brackett after committal.