William “Bill” Heath, age 85 of Marshfield, Wisconsin passed away on May 5, 2024, after a courageous and hard-fought battle with heart disease.
Bill was born on June 12, 1938, to Fredrick William and Emma Heath in Winter, Wisconsin. After Bill graduated from Phillips High School in 1956, he went on to study and receive a Bachelor of Science Degree in Journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Madison and he graduated with his B.S in Journalism in 1960.
After graduating from UW-Madison, Bill started his career as a reporter and photographer for the Beloit Daily News. He was promoted to City Editor three years later and he received a second promotion to Assistant Managing Editor. Bill proudly served his Country by enlisting in the Army National Guard.
It was in Beloit that Bill met the love of his life, Judy Skelly. After their inseparable courtship, Bill and Judy were married at St. Peter Catholic Church in Beloit, Wisconsin on May 4, 1961. They were blessed with three children, Kathy Heath, Steve Heath, and Michael Heath.
Bill and Judy and their children moved to Flagstaff, Arizona in 1971 where Bill was an Editor/Reporter for the Arizona Daily Sun. He was the recipient of many awards and accolades throughout his career including state and national awards for his writing and investigative journalism.
Bill and his family relocated to Marshfield, Wisconsin in 1976. He began this new chapter in his career as Editor of the Marshfield News Herald. Bill distinguished himself as an award-winning writer. William was promoted to Publisher of the Marshfield News Herald while also retaining the title of Editor.
In 2001, Bill retired and spent his free time spending quality time with his family, the outdoors, camping and fishing, traveling, playing cards with their friends, and enjoying their winter home in Marco Island, Florida.
Bill was a member of the Elks Club in Marshfield and the Rotary Club. He was an avid fan of his beloved Packers, Brewers, and Bucks. He continued his love of writing and photography. Bill was a devoted husband, father, and actively involved member of his community. He will be deeply missed but never forgotten by his family and friends.
Bill was predeceased by their loving daughter Kathy, his sister Nancy, his brothers-in-law, Donald Jack, John “Jack” Skelly, and Paul Stephan, his niece Amanda Stephan, his father and mother-in-law, John and Cecelia Skelly, his parents, Fredrick and Emma Heath. William is survived by Steve (Katie Heath) and Michael (Deedee Heath) and granddaughters, Kylee and Emily.
Services will be held on Monday, May 13th at Rembs Funeral Home located at 300 S. Oak Avenue in Marshfield, Wisconsin with a visitation from noon to 1 pm followed by a service and Celebration of Life officiated by his dear friend and former colleague, Father Tom Lindner. Military rites will be conducted by American Legion Post 54 – Marshfield following the service.
The family would like to thank Heartland Hospice for their wonderful care and support.
Condolences can be sent online at www.rembsfh.com
Author: News Desk
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