William M. Carper

William M. Carper, age 73 of Hudson, Wisconsin, passed away July 26, 2022 at Regions Hospital in St. Paul, Minnesota. Bill was born on June 7, 1949 in Carlisle, Pennsylvania to Harry and Vesta (Porter) Carper. He graduated from Big Spring High School in Newville, Pennsylvania, and it was in high school, at the age of 16, when Bill met the love of his life, Yvonne “Vonnie” Kulp. The high school sweethearts also attended the same church. Following high school, Bill joined the U.S. Navy and served during the Vietnam War. With the Navy he traveled across the globe and experienced new cultures. He held the rank of Electrician’s Mate when he was Honorably Discharged in August of 1972 after almost four years of service, and for the rest of his life carried a sense of pride and honor due to his naval service. On January 17, 1971, Vonnie and Bill were united in marriage in Plainfield, Pennsylvania, and the couple was blessed with two sons, William and Jarrod. The family relocated to Hudson, Wisconsin and Bill worked as an electrician with G.S. Electric, and later as a manufacturing engineer.

Throughout his life, Bill had a passion for the outdoors and surrounding himself with nature, and this desire to be outside led to his love of fishing. Above all though, Bill loved his family and was extremely proud of them. He truly enjoyed family gatherings at the holidays and getting a chance to go trout fishing or driving the cart on golf outings with his sons. He relished spending time with his grandchildren and enjoyed the fun memories they made together. Bill was also fond of going to the movies to see the newest releases that caught his eye and watching his favorite sports, including NASCAR and boxing, and following his beloved baseball team, the Milwaukee Brewers.

Bill will remain in the hearts of his wife of 51 years, Vonnie; sons, Bill (Christie) and Jarrod (Rachel); grandchildren, Wyatt and Kendall, Zachary, Preston, and Easton; his mother, Vesta Carper Gast; siblings, Robert (Tawnya) Carper, and Susie (Howdy) Naugle; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. He is preceded in death by his father, Harry; and step-father, Emil Gast.

A gathering of family and friends to celebrate Bill’s life will be held from 3:00-6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 15, 2022 at Big Guy’s BBQ Roadhouse, 1237 WI-35, Hudson, WI. Light refreshments will be provided and casual dress is encouraged. A private family interment will be held. Memorials are preferred to the family, and can be mailed to the O’Connell Family Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St, Hudson, WI 54016 to be forwarded.