William L. (Bill) Owens, age 88, passed away peacefully on October 11, 2023 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, surrounded by family. Born to Ardin and Dorothy Owens on October 20, 1934 in Plymouth, WI, Bill enjoyed growing up in Plymouth and graduated from Plymouth High School before attending and graduating from Yale University, New Haven, CT in 1957. He initiated his career in Management with Federated Department Stores, Cincinnati, OH which ultimately brought him back to Wisconsin working for the Boston Store. An entrepreneur at heart, Bill also owned and operated the Hi Ho Bottling Company and the Gambles hardware store in Plymouth. He finished his career as a Financial Adviser with Minnesota Mutual. Bill served his country in the early 1960s as a reservist for the Air National Guard.

He was enthusiastic and committed to his community through his volunteer work. Bill was the Founding Director for Milwaukee Chapter of Flashes of Hope, and a 25+ year volunteer at the Ronald McDonald House. In his spare time Bill enjoyed golf, fishing, theater, the annual (over 30 years) family gatherings in Eagle River, WI, a good game of blackjack, and ski jumping as a youth.

Bill is survived by “the love of his life” and life partner, Brenda Gromiuk of Germantown, WI. He is brother to James Owens (Kathy) and Gwen Owens, both of Maryland.

Bill is the wonderful father to 5 sons, J. David Owens (Sally) of New Hope, PA; William Owens (Toni) of Denver, CO; Bob Owens (Kari) of River Falls, WI; Nick Owens (Amber), of Ashville, NC and Chris Owens (Julie) of Alexandria, VA. Bill is the grandfather to 12 grandchildren; William Owens, Sarah Quinn (Brendan), John Owens (Ashley), Alison Kuhn (Mike), Jacob Owens, Hayley Owens, Andrew Owens, Daniel Owens, Simon Owens, Ben Owens, Charlotte Owens and Nathan Owens; and also the great grandfather to Thea Quinn, Emery Kuhn and Nolan Quinn. He is also survived by other relatives and dear friends.

A Celebration of Bill’s life will be held on Saturday, April 20, 2024. Visitation will begin at 11AM with a Memorial Service at 12PM at Schmidt & Bartelt Funeral Home - Menomonee Falls; N84 W17937 Menomonee Ave. Interment will be privately held by the family. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Bill’s name to charitable organizations of your choice.