William R. Meinecke Obituary
Bill Meinecke, of Wauwatosa, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, and uncle passed away on January 7, 2024, surrounded by his family. He was 92 years old.
Bill was born in Milwaukee on August 14, 1931; the seventh child of William Edward and Irma Clara (nee Leyrer) Meinecke. He grew up in Milwaukee and graduated from Washington High School in 1950. He started working at Heiser Ford on Prospect Avenue and was soon drafted to serve during the Korean War as a heavy equipment mechanic. Bill returned home to continue his journeyman mechanic training.
On June 2, 1962 Bill married the love of his life, Eileen Farchmin at Mount Olive Lutheran Church in Milwaukee. Their marriage was blessed with two sons, Dennis and John. Time was spent skiing, watching Tosa League baseball, and fishing in Canada. Bill was an active member of Mount Olive Lutheran Church for over 50 years; serving as Church President for many years.
Bill spent 35 years at Heiser Ford, working his way up to Service Manager. Retirement in 1986 brought a second career teaching Automotive Technology at MATC, Gateway Technical College and WCTC. He was a long-time member of the ASE Education Foundation. His second retirement brought more time for golf, Brewers games, and travel.
Bill is survived by his devoted wife Eileen; loving children Dennis (Randy) of Gilbert, AZ and John (Susan) of Grafton; and adoring grandchildren Claire and Sarah of Grafton and Emily and Willie of Gilbert; and elder sister Mary M. Cline. He is further survived by nieces Gail Carlson (Paul Curran) and Lynn Carlson (Lisa Rouskey); step-grandchildren Justin, Jeffrey, and Jessica Pestka; as well as extended family and dear friends.
Bill was proceeded in death by his parents; siblings and their spouses: Margaret (Arno) Wolf, Dorothy (George) Weber, Robert (Lucille), Betty Jane (Kenneth) Larson, Irene (Norris) Lasocki, Everett "Jack" Cline, and Joan Schulls. He was also proceeded by in-laws Emil and Geraldine (nee Rabe) Farchmin, and June (Donald) Carlson, as well as infant granddaughter Hannah.
Funeral services will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024 at Schmidt & Bartelt. Visitation begins at 12:30pm with a service at 1:30pm. A private family interment will be held at Wauwatosa Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to Mount Olive Lutheran Church or Alzheimer's Association are appreciated.
