Obituary
William (Bill) D. Happel
William (Bill) D. Happel, 56, passed away on Friday, August 9, 2024, surrounded by loved ones at Gundersen Health System in La Crosse, WI.
Bill was born on December 21, 1967, in La Crosse, WI to Robert and Marlene (Kolbo) Happel. Bill graduated from Holmen High School in 1986. He married Kay Halvorsen in June of 1990, and they went on to have three children, Jeffrey, Cole, and Allison.
For over 15 years, Bill owned and operated Holmen Portable Sanitation, where he employed several people and created many relationships across the coulee region. Later in life, Bill was employed at BCS Automotive Interface Solutions (formally TRW) in Galesville, WI.
Bill was always up for an adventure. From driving his own race car at the La Crosse Speedway, to taking his boys across the country for wrestling tournaments through snow storms, to cross country RV camping trips, snowmobiling excursions, and basically anything that involved driving, he was always ready to go. He was passionate about racing and loved getting out to the races any chance he could. Bill enjoyed spending time with friends and family, especially his children and grandchildren.
May he be remembered as the joyful, fun-filled guy who was always willing to lend a hand and make people laugh. His playful spirit will be missed dearly.
Bill is survived by, mother, Marlene, sons, Jeffrey (Shannon), Cole, daughter, Allison, 4 grandchildren, Evelynn, Elayna, Evangeline, and Elsie, brothers, Dave (Patti), Mike (Mary), John (Lisa), his dear friend Alex, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his father, Robert.
A celebration of life will be held on Friday, August 16, 2024, from 2-6 p.m. at the Holland Town Hall (W7937 County Rd MH, Holmen, WI 54636).
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to his children to help cover service expenses.
So sorry for you loss. We knew Bill personally. He was always happy and had that great smile whenever you saw him. He will be missed. Prayers to the family.
I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing.
My sympathy goes out to his family.
I am so sorry for your loss! I’m sending prayers and love to your family.
Knew Bill personally he was a fun-filled guy and always made a person laugh. Bill was always up for an adventure. He will be missed dearly.
Prayers to his family.
Sorry to hear of bills passing.we were in the same class together in holmen. He was a wonderful man. My condolences to his friends and family ❤️❤️
The races will never be the same…Bill will be missed dearly. My condolences for your loss.
So sorry to hear this sad news. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. I went to school with Bill. We’ve remained friends, he will always be remembered, a wonderful man with a happy smile on his face. Always gave big hugs and just a great guy all around. RIP
I can’t believe it…Wolfe….I met you as a crazy kid in high school and you gave me a little bit of direction and responsibility in the world by giving me a job, which I thoroughly enjoyed. You made sure we had a dang good time all the time. You definitely made a difference in my life and you will be missed dearly. I hope we meet again someday. Take er easy up there Billy Boy!
We’re so sorry 😢, so young, gone to soon.
I went to school with Bill and we became friends in high school. We had lots of fun back in the day. He made everyone laugh! So very sorry to hear of his passing.
Lots of prayers and hugs to his family and friends, and all whom were blessed to know him. God’s peace in the hearts of his loved ones.
Bill was a wonderful man. Always happy with a huge smile and friendly greeting. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to the family, especially to Jeffrey, Cole, and Allison.
I got to know Bill when our boys wrestled together in Holmen. He was a great supporter and a good dad to his children. He was the type of person who would help anyone who needed an extra hand…Bill was a good guy who always wore a big smile and had a kind word. I know he loved his children and was extremely proud of his boys….who have become successful business owners.
God bless Bill….we’ll all miss you.
Sincerely,
The Coady Family
To Bill’s family. I am truly sorry for your loss. To his kids, I want you to know I went to school with him and he was always fun loving and in high spirits. I can’t remember the last time I saw him, but, I can guarantee you he either made me smile or made me laugh. Rest in peace Bill
Sorry for your loss. Hugs to his family. Billabob you will be missed.maybe you’ll find those girls in bikinis .
My son and I knew Bill, he was a caring person and had concerns for my son. He hellped him alot. Bill will be missed
Bill will never be forgotten it was a shock to hear his passing I Will remember the good times knowing him RIP 🙏