Earl Wm. “Bill” McConochie

PORTAGE – Earl Wm. “Bill” McConochie, age 73, of Portage, passed away peacefully at his residence on September 17, 2017, surrounded by his loving family.

Bill was born on August 19, 1944, in Pardeeville, the son of Christopher and Bessie (Coates) McConochie. He enlisted in the Marine Corp. in 1964, proudly served his country in Vietnam from 1965 to 1966 and was honorably discharged in 1968. He then began his career as a lineman for GTE, retiring after 30 years. He married Carol Trimble Wiberg on July 14, 2006, in Portage.

Bill enjoyed playing softball, hunting, fishing, pitching horseshoes, and especially reading. He could often be found on the back porch with an open book and spending time with family and friends who will carry his memory and strength forever.

He is survived by his wife, Carol; daughters, Leslie Zimpel and her children Andrew and Alice Zimpel, all of Brighton, CO, Betsy (John) Bergman and their children Joshua McConochie and Jackson Bergman, all of Portage, Joan McConochie and her daughter Maya Schroeder, both of Portage; step-daughter, Tammy Case of Portage and her son Tyler Wiberg of Sherwood; brothers, Richard, Charles and Gary McConochie; sisters, Marge Keegan, Marlene Ottum, Dorothy Sanke; brothers- and sisters-in-law on both sides; as well as other relatives and many friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lyle, Rodney, Marvin and Chris McConochie; sisters, Doris DeAx, Betty Burtis, Gladys Williams, Margaret Wolter, Flora Owen; and other brothers- and sisters-in-law.  

A Service of Remembrance with Military Honors will be held at Pflanz Mantey Mendrala Funeral Home in Portage, Wisconsin, on Saturday, September 23, 2017, at 1:00 p.m., with Rev. Gloria Stubitsch officiating. Friends and family are invited to share memories at this time. Inurnment will be private. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff at Agrace HospiceCare and William S. Middleton VA Hospital for their loving care and support.