William Vanness
William” Bill” Vanness, 61, Ledgeview resident, formerly of Bellevue, died unexpectedly Friday, December 25, 2020, at his home. He was born December 26, 1958 in Plymouth, WI to Constant and Rosemary (Moureau) Vanness. Bill attended Preble High School graduating in 1976. He went on to receive a certification in electrical/instrumentation at NWTC while working at the paper mill.
He married the love of his life, Wendy Van Pay on September 21, 1984 at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church. Bill was employed at Georgia Pacific for over thirty years, retiring in 2010. Following his retirement from the mill, Bill went on to be a crossing guard, where he enjoyed crossing all of his kids. He also worked at Walgreens, which brought him such joy as he was able to meet and chat with so many wonderful people.
To say Bill was a people person would not do him justice. He always had a story to share, a big smile, a welcoming laugh, and a way to make everyone he met feel special. He had a true zest for life. Bill’s family was his everything. Not just his wife, children and grandchildren, but all of his family meant the world to him. He always enjoyed his sweets and a Diet Coke. You would often find him outside with his sidekick, Mia (his dog). He and his family were very proud of his 37 years of continued sobriety.
Bill is survived by his wife Wendy and their three children: Alicia Vanness (Tony Piton, her fiancé), Green Bay; Justin (Vivian) Vanness, San Jose, CA and Kendra (Kou) Yang, Ledgeview; four grandchildren: Tyler Vanness, Emma, Logan and Oliver Yang; his parents, Constant and Rosemary Vanness, Green Bay; brother, Steve (Sharon) Vanness, Green Bay; four sisters: Debbie (Darrell) Lichtwald and Christine (Kevin) Sticka all of Green Bay; Cindy (Antony Reyes) Vanness, Bayville, NY and Lynn (Matt) Dalebroux, Green Bay; in-laws: Tom (JoAnn) Van Pay, Dawn Van Pay, Kelly (Holly) Van Pay, all of Green Bay; godchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his in-laws, Bernard and Audrey (Dorner) Van Pay; brother-in-law, Dan Van Pay as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Friends may call at St. Mary Catholic Church, 4805 Sportsman Rd. in Ledgeview on Thursday, December 31, after 9:00 am until time of Mass. Memorial Mass is at 11:00 am Thursday at the church with Rev. Mike Ingold officiating. Inurnment to follow at Nicolet Memorial Gardens. Online condolences may be sent to the Vanness family at www.prokowall.com. To view the live stream Mass please go to: https://tinyurl.com/vannessfuneral