William “Bill” E. Spitznagle, 84, of Caledonia, Wisconsin, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family. A devoted husband, proud father and grandfather, decorated military officer, and passionate sportsman, Bill lived a life rooted in service, family, and fairness. Born on December 17, 1940, in Virginia, Minnesota, Bill was raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, earning a degree in psychology before launching a dynamic career in both business and military service. Bill proudly served in the United States Army for over 35 years, rising to the rank of Colonel in 1989. His service included both commissioned and enlisted roles, with active foreign duty in Albania, Slovenia, and Hungary, and graduation from seven military schools. He received 13 military decorations and badges, including the prestigious Legion of Merit in 2000 – a testament to his leadership and dedication to his country. Professionally, Bill built a successful marketing career with companies such as IBM, Memorex, 3M, and Applied Information Development, consistently earning top sales honors. He also served as an International Elections Monitor, embodying his lifelong belief in democracy and justice. He met the love of his life, Gerry (Abler), while working at IBM – he in marketing, she on the technical side. They married on April 12, 1969, and recently celebrated 55 years of a joyful and supportive marriage. Together, they raised three children and embraced a life full of adventure, laughter, and unwavering love. Bill was a lifelong athlete and avid sports fan. He played nearly every sport growing up, but it was golf that captured his heart – even winning a car in a “Beat the Pro” contest. He rarely missed watching a Packers, Bucks, or Brewers game. Off the course and outside the stadium, Bill found fulfillment in volunteer roles, including President of the Brown Deer Theater, President of the Caledonia Housing Association, and active supporter of the Schroeder Swim Team. He is survived by his beloved wife, Gerry, and their children: Wes (Erin), Dawn Prinsen (Tim), and Bill Jr. (Sabrina). He also had the meaningful opportunity in recent years to meet and build a relationship with his son Craig, who was born prior to his meeting Gerry. Their connection brought him joy, peace, and a sense of wholeness later in life. Bill cherished his grandchildren – Isabella, Olivia, and Holden Spitznagle; Emma, Riley, and Lila Prinsen; Sophie and Will Spitznagle – and was deeply proud of the family they’ve all become. He is also survived by his brother Kerry Spitznagle (Mary), sister Wendy Hilgers (Zach), and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and cherished friends. Bill lived with great principle, firmly grounded in his belief in democracy, fairness, and the rule of law. But more than his titles and accomplishments, he will be remembered for his love of family, his booming laugh, and the values he passed on to generations. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Bill’s memory to a veteran’s organization or local community cause that reflects his spirit of service.
William “Bill” E. Spitznagle
This was a beautiful testament to a life well lived. So enjoyed getting to know Bill and Gerry as neighbors. We liked meeting their children and grandchildren over the years. Bill did a lot of great work concerning our neighborhood. We will miss him dearly.
Such a wonderful man. Proud to know him as brother-in-law. Will miss him very much. RIP dear Bill.
Pat and I will miss you dearly. We enjoyed our times in WI as well as AZ. We laughed and cheered for our Milwaukee Bucks, Green Bay Packer and Brewers. Your years on the Oldfield Settlement board were priceless and the hours you spent researching our septic systems will always be remembered. You were taken from us too early but you will always remain in our hearts. Rest in peace my friend.
My condolences to Colonel Spitznagel’s family. I had the pleasure of knowing Bill first from handball and then throughout my military career. Colonel Spitznagel was a friend and a mentor. May Colonel Spitznagel Rest In Peace.
Bill was a guy’s guy. Always had a good thing to say about everyone. And a pretty good handball player.
I was fortunate to work for Bill twice in my military career. First as a young captain where Bill expended my horizons with his wealth of experience. Years later I was a battalion commander under him, the brigade commander. He was a great mentor, taking a lot of time to teach and coach. My wife and I also got to know Gerry and we attended a few military functions together. We even ran into them at the golf course a few times. I had the highest respect for Bill and apparently so did the State Department who selected him for international military assignments. His family should be very proud of this great American.
We hit the lottery with Bill & Gerry as our neighbors. We are better people for having known Bill. Such an amazing person. We so enjoyed our time together and looked forward to Bill’s stories. He will be greatly missed. Our condolences to the family.
I will miss him dearly! I never got to tell him how proud I was to deliver mail to: “The only colonel in Caledonia” I hope they let him have his glasses in heaven so he can read this. Love, Vickie the mail-lady.