Obituary
William F Cornell Sr.
William (Bill) Cornell, 85, of Pray, WI passed away peacefully on December 26th, 2023, at the Mayo Hospital in Sparta, WI.
Bill was a proud Father, Navy Veteran, Eagle Scout and Christian. Bill grew up in the La Crosse area and played football at Central High School. After serving in the Navy, Bill worked for Trane Company in La Crosse until his retirement.
Bill loved nature, the outdoors, hunting, fishing, conservation and the shooting sports. He purchased the Pray Ranger Station and renovated it into his home. Bill was a devoted Christian and Mason. He was a man of many talents and was well liked in the community.
Bill is preceded in death by his loving wife of 47 years, Mary Lou (Thomas) Cornell, Son; William (Billy) Cornell II, and parents; Miles Cornell and Dorothy (Roepke) Cornell.
Bill is survived by his daughter Karen Cornell, Grandson Nicholas (Laura) Glover, and other grandchildren Susan (Joel) Kabacinski, Pete (Jared) Berger, Mary Novak, William (Emily) Cornell III, Stepchildren; Karla Bright, Pat Wuttke, Tom Wuttke and other Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren.
Cards and remembrances may be sent to Nicholas Glover, 14048 County Highway I Sparta, WI 54656 or those who wish to contribute to his memory, memorials can be made to Saint Jude Children’s Hospital; or Shriners Hospitals for Children; or memorials of your choice.
A celebration of life will be held at a later date.
My condolences, Karen and the family, Bill aways had a heart of gold, helping anyone that needed help. Bill and his family were are first neighbors when Sandy and I rented our first house on Loomis st. We had so many pizza and bull frog beer parties, Bill aways baked the pizza. He introduced me to many of his fraternal order friends that turned out to life long friends. We went to bowling tournaments around the state. Bill was so proud of the ranger station he bought and remodeled. A perfect place were he was always in tune in with wildlife, nature and hunting. RIP BILL
Thank you so much Jim. I felt so bad when Sandy died. My condolences to you as well. I remember you both so vividly and clearly thank you for being such a wonderful friend to my dad and mary lou and my mother.