Bill Paape

Bill Paape of Westfield, Wis., passed away on Dec. 19, 2025, at Aurora Medical Center in Grafton surrounded by family and friends. He was 83 years old.  

He was born Feb. 9, 1942, on Northwoods Road in Port Washington, Wis., to Loyal and Irene Zuelsdorf Paape.

Bill worked his family farm, milking cows, picking stones and doing the upkeep of the house, barn and sheds, while going to the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee to become a teacher.  

He worked at Alexander Hamilton High School on Milwaukee’s south side for 20-plus years and worked at the Saukville Post Office for more than 33 years. Bill helped his cousins Ann and Mark Dickmann on their farm for years and worked at Ron & Jan’s Upholstery Shop in Saukville.  

Bill was there to help out those in need.  He took care of his mother until her passing.

   His favorite hobby was doing woodworking crafts or any type of crafts with his wife Shirley to sell on the front porch of the cabin.

Bill leaves behind his sisters Patricia Loduha and Carol (Kenneth) Miller, cousins, nieces, nephews and many, many friends.

   He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Shirley (Mueller) and brothers Earl and Jim.

Bill’s wit and humor will be greatly missed.  

Bill’s family will celebrate his life at a later date, with burial of Bill and Shirley at Union Cemetery in Saukville.

Memorials are appreciated in Bill and Shirley’s name to Friedens Church in Port Washington or St. Louis Scottish Terrier Rescue.

  Jelacic Funeral Home, Milwaukee, (414) 466-2134, is handling the arrangements.