obit template2018-11-29T12:10:12+00:00

William Bernard
Sherlock

Loving and generous, Bill Sherlock was a loyal and kind hearted man of integrity who was dedicated to his faith and the love of family. A man of his word, he could be counted on in all he did with a tough as nails nature which was evident in his strong work ethic. He was a good provider and lived for the well being of those he loved and cherished. Sadly missed, Bill will be long remembered in the hearts of those he leaves behind.

Just days before the Thanksgiving holiday, the birth of William Bernard Sherlock on November 23, 1937 was a most welcome event in the lives of his parents, Matthew and Ida (Lilleberg) Sherlock of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. It was an eventful year in the nation as the Golden Gate Bridge was brought to completion and the disappearance of aviation pioneer Amelia Earhart that year continues to remain a mystery. News of the day also included the explosion of the Hindenburg which marked the end of the airship era. As the youngest, Bill joined his older brother, Jimmy and sister, Agnes in their family home on Milwaukee’s south side. His father, a hard working Irishman, worked for the railroad while his Swedish mother remained at home with the children as a homemaker.

As a young boy Bill attended James Witcomb Riley Grade School and fond memories of fun filled times playing at Kosciuszko Park near their home always warmed his heart. When his family later moved to the east side of the city, he attended Holy Rosary Catholic Grade School where he remained until his eighth grade graduation. During Bill’s school years he enjoyed baseball and bowling, continuing to carry his passion for both throughout his life. While attending Riverside High School he worked at Century Bowling and Banquet Hall as a pinsetter in the bowling alleys there.

Following high school Bill started working for Globe-Union Inc. which was later acquired by Johnson Controls. He began his eventual 43 year career with the company as a kiln operator in the battery division, and upon retiring in 1999, he was the lead man in the battery division. From an early age Bill was taught a strong work ethic which he carried out in his service to the company and in 43 years there, he only missed work due to surgeries he had.

During this time Bill continued to enjoy his love for bowling. One night, while out bowling with friends at Century Hall, Bill’s attention was drawn to a pretty young lady named Joan Slawny who was also bowling with friends. Quite smitten from the start, they began dating and their romance blossomed. Blessed in marriage on May 13, 1961 at St. Hedwig Church in Milwaukee, they enjoyed a reception celebrated at Century Hall, the very place they met. Over time, their marriage would come to nearly 50 wonderful years of respected and deep rooted love for one another.

Bill supported his new bride with his work at Globe-Union as they made their first home together on Newhall Street on Milwaukee’s east side. In time they were blessed with the birth of their daughters, Kathy in 1963 and Chrissy in 1964. Karen came along in 1966, the same year Joan’s beloved grandmother passed away. With the opportunity to purchase her home, they moved their family to the nearby village of Shorewood at 3909 N. Farwell Avenue where they welcomed three more children into their lives. Patty was born in 1969, followed by Michael in 1971, and Dan completed their family in 1974.

A loving and attentive father, Bill was always there for his children. He counted his family as his greatest blessing, and was very protective, a trait he carried on with his nine grandchildren. He took an active role in the lives of his kids and followed their many activities, even coaching his son’s little league baseball teams. Enjoyable family vacations were spent each year at the Wisconsin Dells which made for treasured times.

Faith was very important to Bill. He was very involved as a member of St. Robert Catholic Church where he served as an usher and in the First Friday Club where he faithfully attended communion Mass the first Friday of each month. Bill’s faith was evident through his generous heart. Never one who liked being fussed over or the center of attention, he’d often respond with, “That’s about enough of that”.

After retiring, Bill enjoyed golfing with friends and neighbors. He enjoyed gardening and helped with housekeeping chores, too. He particularly enjoyed spending more time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Whenever there was an opportunity, Bill was up for a family barbeque. He loved having family over and grilling on his Weber grill, especially around four on a hot summer afternoon when it was, “about time for a tall cool one.” Continuing his passion for bowling and baseball, Bill also spent time on his love for drawing and as a talented woodworker. He enjoyed swimming and was fond of country and western music. With his sense of humor, his phrase, “Set ‘em up on the next alley” could be heard from the next room after something fell, which was a fun carryover from his pinsetter days.

In August of 2010 Bill was diagnosed with vascular dementia. The disease progressed quickly, and although Joan and his family lovingly cared for him at home, his needs eventually increased. On April 12, at the age of 73, Bill entered Hospice care at the Milwaukee Catholic Home where he peacefully died the afternoon of Wednesday, April 13, 2011.

Above all, William Bernard Sherlock was a humble man of faith who lived his life with integrity. He didn’t care for the limelight himself, but never hesitated when it came to being the proud man that he was of his wife, children and grandchildren. A friend to many, Bill will be lovingly remembered and fondly missed by those who knew and loved him.

Bill was the beloved husband of Joan; cherished father of Kathy (Mark) Halloran, Chrissy (Larry) Shobe, Karen Hagen, Patty (Bill) Miller, Michael (Lisa) Sherlock, Dan Sherlock; loving grandfather of Jessica, Kaitlyn and Amanda Halloran, Kathryn and Mary Hagen, Colin and Meghan Miller, Patrick and Matthew Sherlock; dear brother of the late Jimmy (Trudi) Sherlock and the late Agnes Wycklendt; further survived by many other relatives and friends.

Visitation: Wednesday, April 20, 2011 at St. Robert Catholic Church, 2224 E. Capitol Drive, Shorewood, Wisconsin from 9:30 AM until the time of the Funeral Mass at 11:00 AM. Entombment at Holy Cross Cemetery. If desired, memorials to St. Robert School, Holy Family School Annual Fund Whitefish Bay or the Milwaukee Catholic Home are appreciated. Suminski Life Story Funeral Homes-Suminski/Weiss (414) 276-5122. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com to leave a favorite memory or photo of Bill or to sign his online guest book.

Past Comments

November 23, 2012

Just wanted to say Happy 75th birthday! We miss you and wish we could be having a tall cool one with you but we toasted to you! Everybody went to the cemetary to see you but because we are in California we had everybody say hi to you for us. We miss you ! love you dad!

Mary Hagen

Hey Grandpa,

I thought I would share some exciting news with you. Mike and I got engaged on Tuesday, on yours and Grandmas anniversary! I wish you could be here to celebrate with us, but I know you are here in spirit! I think about you and miss you everyday. I love you so much!!

xoxo

Mary

Mary Hagen

Happy Father’s Day Grandpa! You were truly the best father and grandfather that any of us could have asked for. Missing you like crazy today! Mike and I will be stopping by to visit you later. I love you so much! Always and forever.

xoxo-Mary<3

Kathy Halloran

Hi dad. I can’t believe it has been a year since you left us. Just want to say that we all miss you and love you! We know you are watching over us. It is just hard not having you here with us! You are in a happy place right now and someday we will be with you again!

We all love you, Dad!

The Hallorans

Jessica Halloran

Hey Grandpa,

It’s Jessica! I’ve been thinking about you a lot lately, I can’t believe it’s been over a year since you’ve left us. So much has happened!! Ryan and I are in the process of buying a house and we have been so busy planning the wedding, it’s already THIS weekend! Everyone is coming, we are all going to be together in California (thats a first), and I can’t help but wish you were coming! I know you would have loved being here with everyone to help celebrate with Ryan and I. It won’t be the same without having you sit in the front row next to Grandma at the ceremony but I know you’ll be with us! I am going to wear my sacred heart pin on my dress so I’ll have a part of you all day! 🙂 Just please make sure I don’t faint or something up at the altar… That seems to be a common thread in our family! Love and miss you every day!

Monica

Memories;

Let them fill your mind,

Warm your heart,

and lead you through.

XOX

Dee Palmer

Joan and Family,

Our thoughts are with you all. May the feeling of friendship and love from others help ease the pain in all your hearts. May the Love of our Father and his son give you the peace you need. Let his arms hold you and absorb your pain. With his Love (and Larry’s crazy family) You can’t go wrong. We have always enjoyed visiting with you all and sharing in your family get togethers. Our hearts are their with each and everyone of you, even if we can’t be there.

Take care all of you,

With Love and Friendship,

Dee Palmer

Betty Farley

Patrick Sherlock

My favorite memory of Granpa is going to Brewer games with him and having him tell me to keep my eye on every foul ball.

Christian End

Whether Danny and I were teammates or opponents on the diamond, Mr. Sherlock always helped to improve my game. The conversations wouldn’t last more than a minute, but his insight and the supportive manner in which he communicated was as influential as any practice. I don’t think Mr. Sherlock was ever “officially” my baseball coach, but I always considered him to be.

Your family is in my family’s thoughts and prayers.

Christian

Diane and Jerry

Well Bill, you had a beautiful send-off. We’re sure you

are looking down on your family with pride. You really did

good Billie.

We are all going to miss you, especially when Martin

Luther King Day comes. We will remember all our fun

gambling trips. Don’t worry we’ll pull the handle, or should

we say press the button for you. You always had the

magic touch.

Love,

Diane and Jer

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