Raymond William ‘Bill’ Somsen

Raymond William “Bill” Somsen, age 69 of Baldwin WI, passed away unexpectedly in his sleep at home on Sunday, May 15, 2016.

Bill was born in Baldwin, WI on May 2, 1947 to Raymond and Sally Somsen of Woodville. Bill graduated from Baldwin-Woodville High School with the Class of 1965. He attended UW-River Falls and then enlisted in the National Guard where he received Basic Training in Fort Leonard, MO. Following Basic Training, he returned to Woodville and enrolled in the Vocation Technical School in Eau Claire, graduating in the field of business and accounting.

His career life included working for his dad at the Woodville Elevator, working for an accounting firm, and at Andersen Windows Manufacturing Company in Bayport, MN for many years.

Throughout his life, his greatest passion was golf, having gotten started with lessons from his great uncle Louie Snoeyenbos from Baldwin. He golfed whenever possible, and loved every minute! He also took great joy in the lives of his nieces and nephews and their children, always remembering their birthdays, special events, and following them on Facebook.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents; his grandparents; his younger brother, Jan; his aunt and uncle, Chuck and Bettie Rasmussen; and cousin, Mick Rasmussen. Bill is survived by his sisters, Cindy (Ron) Zignego, Paula (Bruce) Crist, and Mary (Michael) Gilbert; nieces and nephews, Jason (Kristen) Zignego, Darin Zignego, Jennifer (Paul) Crist-Rosen, Melissa (Joe) McKenny, Adrienne (Garrett) Lane, Bret Somsen, Michael (Anne) Somsen, and Kara (Nathan) Diem; and eight grand nieces and grandnephews. He is further survived by his very special friend, Julie Finch; and by his cousins, Charles (Barb) Rasmussen, Sally (David) Berkholder, and Connie (Scott) Anderson, their families, and many friends.

Bill was a lifelong member of the United Presbyterian Church of Baldwin. A Memorial Service honoring his life will be held at 11:00am on Saturday, May 28th at the First United Presbyterian Church, 1650 8th Avenue in Baldwin, WI with Rev. Dr. Barbara Anne Keely officiating. Visitation will be held one hour prior to services at the church. Following services, a burial will take place at the Baldwin Cemetery in Baldwin, WI. Memorials honoring Bill Somsen may be directed to the Park View Home in Woodville. Services have been entrusted to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home and Countryside Crematory of Baldwin, WI. 715-684-3434