William Rendall,'s Obituary
Oak Creek – William J. Rendall, Jr. age 96, passed away on Friday, November 1, 2013.
William was born on July 12, 1917 in Racine to William J. Rendall, Sr. and Jessie (Seater) Rendall. He graduated from Horlick High School in 1936. He furthered his education, earning his Bachelor's Degree in Education from UW Platteville and his Master's Degree in Education from Bradley University. During World War II he joined the Army Air Corps and served mainly in China, where he helped with B52 support.
William met his future wife, Marjorie Graf, at college and they were married on June 28, 1947. He started his career as an Industrial Arts teacher in Sheboygan, where he taught for 10 years. He then moved to Oak Creek where he was hired to start the Industrial Arts program. He eventually became head of the department and retired from the Oak Creek School District in 1979.
William was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Racine. He was a very talented tenor and was a frequent soloist at church and in the community as well as a section leader in the church choir for many years. He also served as an Elder and started the Farmer's Market there to raise funds for missions. He shared his lifelong gift with his family; a legacy of music. He also was a well known gardener and greatly enjoyed taking extra produce to the Salvation Army. In addition to gardening, he enjoyed fishing in northern Wisconsin and playing cards. He was an avid fan of all Wisconsin sports teams.
William is survived by his wife of 66 years, Marjorie and five children, William J. Rendall III, Jeanette Rendall, Paul (Heidi) Rendall, Richard Rendall and Elizabeth (Erick) Hoffmaster. He is further survived by nine grandchildren: Nathaniel (Laura) Rendall, Kathryn (Travis) Laubenstein, Emily (Andres) Rendall-Araujo, Sarah (Adam) Lovinggood, Rachel Rendall, Hannah Rendall, Isaac Hoffmaster, Naomi Hoffmaster, Jacob Hoffmaster, and four great-grandchildren; Jayde, Lydia, Juniper and Oren. In addition, he is survived by one sister, Margaret Rendall, two brothers-in-law, Dr. George Graf and Dr. Christopher Graf, many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
William was preceded in death by eight siblings and their spouses: Jessie Rendall, Elizabeth Rendall, Thomas (Myrtle) Rendall, David (Gladys) Rendall, George Rendall, John Rendall, Jean (Burton) Christiansen/ (William) Bloedorn and Mary (Clement) Soul. He was also preceded in death by three sisters-in-law, Ruby (Leslie) Beadle, Mary Graf and Janet Graf, one niece and one nephew.
Funeral services will be held at the Wilson Funeral Home in Racine on Saturday, November 9, 2013 at 10:00 am with Rev. Steven Fringer officiating. Interment will follow at West Lawn Memorial Park with full military honors. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Friday evening, November 8, 2013 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm and on Saturday morning from 9:00 am until the service time at 10:00 am. Memorials in honor of William Rendall may be directed to Rawhide Boy's Ranch or to the Salvation Army.
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