WILLIAM LUCAS

     William Lucas, 83, of Willard, WI, passed away peacefully at his home surrounded by his wife and children Tuesday, Sept. 29, 2026.  Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. Monday, Oct. 5, 2026 at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Greenwood, WI.  Visitation was held at the church Monday from 9 a.m. until the time of service.  Burial followed at Holy Family Catholic Cemetery in Willard.  Military rites were conducted by the Wallis Hinker Brux American Legion Post #238.

     Bill was born Nov. 15, 1942, in Greenwood, WI, the only child of William and Irja (Salo) Lucas.  He was raised on the family farm, received his education in Willard, and graduated from Greenwood High School in 1961.  After completing high school, Bill served in the U.S. Air Force as a weapons mechanic.  During the Cuban Missile Crisis, he had to sleep on the runway in case of an attack.  He returned to the family farm after his father passed away in 1962.

     Bill was united in marriage to Barbara Ann Genteman Dec. 12, 1964, at St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Neillsville, WI.  In 1966, he completed a degree in Television and Radio Servicing from DeVRY Technical Institute.  Bill and Barb continued to farm together until 2020, when they sold the cows.  Bill was a dedicated, hard-working farmer who was always looking for new innovations and modifications. He could fix anything that needed fixing.

     Bill had many interests, including a fascination with flying.  His love of aviation started with a gyrocopter and eventually led to an ultralight airplane.  You could rarely see Bill in his truck without his beloved boxer sitting beside him.  He was his dog’s best friend.

     Bill will be dearly missed by his wife of 61 years, Barbara, of Willard; twins: Kaila (Lorin) Denk of Schofield and Kevin (Michelle) of Greenwood; sons: William “Willie” (Deb) of Ashland and Greg (April) of Willard; and daughter Shelli Slowiak of Spencer.  His legacy lives on through his 15 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren.

     Bill and Barb were thankful for their farm help, including Jim W., the Briski girls, and Jim B.

     He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Irja Lucas; son-in-law, Mike Slowiak; his in-laws, William and Lura Genteman; and brothers-in-law: Dave Berlick, Larry Genteman, and Vern Genteman.

     The family would like to thank Compassus Home Hospice for their support and assistance.

     Online condolences may be expressed at www.cuddiefh.com.

     Cuddie Funeral Home of Greenwood, WI is assisting the family with arrangements.