William "Bill" J. Green

William J. “Bill” Green III, 85, Rothschild, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family at Aspirus Wausau Hospital on June 1, 2021, following a massive heart attack.

Bill was born on April 28, 1936, in Marquette, Michigan, son of the late William J. Green Jr. and Kathleen Schmeltz.  He married Concetta “Chetti” Sarvello on June 20, 1964, in Ishpeming, Michigan.

Bill graduated from Bishop Baraga Catholic Central then went on to proudly serve his country in the United States Army.  He later earned his undergraduate degree from Northern Michigan University and a master’s degree from Wayne State University.

Bill lived a beautiful life by building a long career of helping others, especially young people.  He spent his early years in education as a teacher, assistant principal, and assistant superintendent.  He worked with the Women’s Job Corp, was a coordinator of programs for at-risk students, and mentored many young men and women.  After leaving the field of education, Bill had a successful career working for DeVry University as a field recruiter.  In 1985, he was seriously injured in an automobile accident and was unable to continue to work.  Following a lengthy recovery, Bill entered the Diaconate Studies Program and was ordained a Deacon in June 1995.  He started his diaconate ministry at St. Charles Borromeo Church in Rapid River, Michigan, then moved to Wisconsin making a significant impact in each community he served.  Bill was proud to have baptized countless babies including some of his own grandchildren.  He married many wonderful couples and was honored to be the officiant at two of his daughter’s weddings. 

Bill was a proud member of the Lions Club and a member of the 3rd Degree and 4th Degree Knights of Columbus.  Some of his favorite pastimes included fishing, reading, traveling, and spending time with his family.  He loved pasta, pizza, movies, telling jokes, and making everyone laugh.  He would light up any room and treat strangers like old friends.  He had a heart of gold and would drop everything to help anyone in need.  He was the most loving husband, father, Papa, and friend to so many. 

Bill is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Concetta “Chetti” Green, Rothschild; his children, Kathy (Matt) Pynnonen, Verona; Steve (Jody) Green, Negaunee, Michigan; Ann (Dave) Damrow, Schofield; and Renee (Sean) Haertle, Dunedin, Florida; his grandchildren, Eric (Emily Snyder) Pynnonen, Ryan Pynnonen, Zak Green, Tayler Green, Alexxa Young, Samantha Young, Olivia Young, Davis Damrow, Alaina Damrow, Nick (Kelsie) Haertle, Sam Haertle, and great-granddaughter Marti.  Bill is further survived by his brother, Robert (Gail) Green, his sisters-in-law, Gail Green, Aurelia (Tom) Tenerovicz, Francesca Sarvello, Patricia Sarvello and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins. 

In addition to his parents, Bill was preceded in death by brothers, Neal and Garth, sister-in-law, Virginia, mother-in-law and father-in-law Mary and Frank Sarvello, and grandson Bennett.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 12:00pm on Monday, June 7, 2021, at St. Mark Catholic Church, Rothschild.  The Rev. Allan Slowiak will preside.  Visitation will be held at the church from 10:00am until the time of services.  In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed in Bill’s honor to Catholic Charities of Wausau at 540 South 3rd Avenue, Wausau, WI  54401.  Peterson/Kraemer Funeral Home in Wausau is handling the arrangements.  Online condolences may be expressed at www.petersonkraemer.com.

Bill’s family would like to extend their sincerest appreciation to the staff at Rennes Health and Rehabilitation Center in Weston for the outstanding care they gave to Bill over the last four years.  They also want to thank the Aspirus Cardiac I.C.U. for the compassionate care they provided during Bill’s final days.

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