William "Bill" F. Kollock

William Franklin “Bill” Kollock, 79, passed away peacefully on Friday, June 9, 2017 at his home in Florence, Arizona while holding the hand of his wife of 60 years. He confronted pulmonary fibrosis – his final illness – with the courage, integrity, humor and humility that defined him throughout his life.

Bill Kollock was born on November 20, 1937 in Stevens Point, Wisconsin to parents Henry and Luella Kollock. During his childhood and young adulthood on Shady Nook Farm, he developed a… strong work ethic and an appreciation for a job well done.

After graduating from Tri-County High School in Plainfield, Wisconsin, Bill leveraged his quiet charisma, handsome looks, subtle wit and automotive prowess to win the heart of Carol Ann Clark, the love of his life, whom he married on January 29, 1957 in Stevens Point.

Bill worked for nine years at Consolidated Papers, Inc. in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, as he and Carol raised their young family.

Eventually, Bill and Carol moved their family to Bancroft, Wisconsin. Bill built his business, Misty Oak Farm, into one of the most well-regarded agricultural operations in central Wisconsin while raising five beloved children. Notably, Bill was awarded “Grower of the Year” by Ore-Ida in 1980, a distinction that recognized his expertise, ingenuity and unique abilities as a farmer.

After retiring from farming, Bill volunteered his time, energy and driving expertise to the Disabled American Veterans Transportation Program, which he considered one of the highlights of his life.

Bill and Carol began a new chapter in 2006, which brought them to historic Florence, Arizona. Although Bill always kept Wisconsin close to his heart, he felt truly energized by the dramatic Arizona landscape and its abundant sunshine, becoming an avid fan of the Arizona Cardinals and Diamondbacks.

Bill passed away in the comfortable, inviting home that he and Carol built; a home constructed with his precise, meticulous specifications in mind.

Bill enjoyed motorsports, playing cards (winning multiple poker tournaments), working on automobiles, attending to the maintenance of his home, socializing with friends and family, researching topics of interest on the internet, listening to music performed by an eclectic array of artists and traveling throughout the United States and the rest of the world. Bill also loved a good drink, a delicious meal and a stimulating conversation.

He was engaged socially and politically throughout his life, focusing his quiet generosity on the less fortunate and aligning his considerable empathy with causes that recognize the need for greater social justice.

A man of gentle integrity and profound moral strength, Bill Kollock maintained a compassionate worldview, kept his word and approached every decision thoughtfully.

Above all, Bill loved his family, and he always ensured that his children knew he was there for them and that he was proud of them as individuals.

William Kollock is survived by his wife, Carol, of Florence, as well as his children Mark (Tracy), Oshkosh; Gary (Janel), Plover; Stacey, Omaha and Matthew, Albuquerque. He is also survived by grandchildren Griffin Kollock, Madison; Kelley Kollock, Minneapolis; Kerren Kollock, Plover; William Ruffalo, Omaha; Kathrine Ruffalo, Omaha; Cassidy Johnson, Waupaca and Russell Kollock, Oshkosh. He is further survived by siblings Alice (Gene) Polley, Bancroft; Pat Treible, Stevens Point; and Bob (Patricia) Kollock, Wisconsin Rapids; brother-in-law William Goodness, Wisconsin Rapids; sister-in-law Judy Kollock, Bancroft; numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

William Kollock was preceded in death by his son John Kollock, sister Kathleen Goodness, brother Henry “James” Kollock and brother-in-law William Treible.

Private family inurnment will be in the St. Martin Cemetery, Almond.