William T. Metcalf

William T. Metcalf, age 93, a long time Randolph resident passed away, at his home on Sunday, April 5, 2009 from a long illness with family and friends at his side.

William was born on May 15, 1915 to William and Margaret (Fitzgerald) Metcalf in Shullsburg, Wisconsin. He was always known as “Bill” or “Billy” Jr. to family and friends. After receiving an associate’s degree from Loras College in Dubugue he went on to earn a bachelors degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. He joined the Wisconsin State Employment Service working in several cities before settling in Beaver Dam and retired 35 years later. His voice was well known for giving the weekly job report on WBEV. Bill also worked part-time in the shoe department of Newton Wenz and later sold real estate on the side. He married Dorothy Blochwitz on May 20, 1950 and moved to Randolph in 1956.

Bill was a Catholic by faith and a member of the Knights of Columbus. His interests were diverse and numerous. He was an outdoors man. He enjoyed hunting pheasant, geese and deer whether he was successful or not. He was a member of the Snowdon Hunting Club. Bill enjoyed fishing, especially trout. An avid golfer, he was a member of the Fox Lake Golf course for over 50 years until his illness prevented him from playing. He served as president for several years. He played in the World’s Amateur Golf Tournament for 4 years, placing 5th in the Senior Division. He enjoyed dancing, tennis, reading and bridge and was a member of the American Duplicate Bridge Club. He enjoyed his rose garden and cooking. Bill never met a stranger, he had a keen sense of humor and loved telling stories. After his wife died in 1979, Bill was fortunate to find a long time friend and companion Jessie Jansen. She shared his enjoyment in these varied activities thus enriching his life. He was an early member of the American Field Service (AFS). Bill and the family were blessed by the addition of three exchange students Thesesa James, Aime and Vivian Von Pollaert.

William is survived by his daughter Priscilla Metcalf and husband Karl Doetsch, of Wharton, TX; three grandsons William, Eric and Carlton Metcalf-Doetsch; a sister Betty Metcalf, of Darlington, WI; and a special friend Jessie Jansen, of Fox Lake; many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Dorothy in 1979; his parents; infant daughter Mary Deborah; sister Barbara Moore; brother-in-law Dale Moore; and exchange students, Aime and Vivian Von Pollaert.

Funeral service will be at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, April 13, 2009 at Annunciation Catholic Church, 305 West Green Street, Fox Lake, with the Rev. Michael L. Wild officiating. Burial will follow in the Randolph Cemetery.

The family will receive relatives and friends on Monday, April 13, 2009 at church from 9:30 a.m. until the hour of service.

A Memorial Fund has been established in William’s name.