William R. Kabke

William R. Kabke, age 76, died peacefully on March 12, 2024, surrounded by his family and their love. Bill was born June 7, 1947, to parents Robert and June (Schlender) Kabke, in Appleton, WI.  In his 20’s, Gloria Grant went to the bar that Bill owned with a friend-where he honed his pool playing skills- and the rest was history!  The two married on February 19, 1972, and two years later welcomed their son to their fold.

Bill loved his family, and he always had a special greeting for each of his nieces and nephews. To one he always handed out lollypops and another always got a comment about her hair…such was the nature of Bill-he found ways to make each person in his world feel special.

Bill loved sports cars, but not always the work to do them!  He enjoyed watching NASCAR, basketball and football. Most notably, he enjoyed keeping his lawn well-manicured!  He was a stickler for straight lines and eliminating weeds!  Neighbors beware! He would come find you if you had a stray weed in your yard that might contaminate his!

As a professional, Bill used his interpersonal skills to the best advantage in his role as Vice President and General Manager of Russ Darrow Chrysler Plymouth. Prior to that, he worked at Gibson Auto Sales. He spent some time early in his work career, travelling with Minnesota Fats, where he learned every trick shot in the book! Before finally retiring, he worked with his good friend Gary Roehrborn at Northland Auto

Bill is survived by his wife of 52 years Gloria, his son Shane Kabke; grandsons: Jordan Kabke and Logan Kabke; sister Karla (Ernie) Shuckhart; brother Thomas Kabke, sister-in-law Judy Genett; nieces Jennifer, Gina, Jolene, Heidi, Heather and Samantha; nephew Bobby as well as many special great (and great great) nieces and nephews, and good friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law Alan Genett and his mother-in-law Gladys Wadman.

A memorial service for Bill will be held on Saturday March 23, 2024, at 3:00pm at Wichmann Funeral Home-Laemmrich Chapel, 312 Milwaukee Street, Menasha. Friends and family may gather for visiting and sharing of snacks from 1:00pm until the time the service begins.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Neenah Animal Shelter in Bill’s name.