William Raymond Wauters

William (Bill) Wauters passed away on April 19, 2024 after a brief fight with cancer. Bill was born on April 19,1943, in Lake Geneva, WI, to Raymond Wauters and Laurienne (Traver) Wauters.

Bill graduated from Spencerian Business College in Milwaukee and had a 50-year career in the food service industry. One of his proudest accomplishments was working for Baraboo Sysco for 20 years, until his retirement in 2008. During this time he was known for helping small business owners get their restaurants started and running successfully, including Culver’s, Ishnalla, Ovens of Brittany, and Monty’s Blue Plate.

Bill was married to Judy (Pekonen) Wauters for 39 years until cancer took her in 2007. They lived in several places before they planted their roots in Madison. They had two sons, Christopher and Michael.

In his later years, Bill enjoyed fishing the lakes of Northern Wisconsin, and cheering on the Badgers and the Packers. He loved dancing to the music of his favorite local band (Universal Sound) when they played at the Cottage Grove Road VFW.

He loved spending winters in Arizona with Joan Duffy, his partner of 15 years. They played lots of golf and cards together and spent late afternoons watching sunsets with the Catalina Mountains as a backdrop.

Bill is survived by his son, Chris (partner, Angie) and grandson, Henry of Vancouver, WA; his son, Mike (partner, Amy) and granddaughter, Margo of Madison, WI; and his partner, Joan. He was proceeded in death by his parents; his brother, Bruce; his sister, Susan; and his wife, Judy.

Please join us Saturday, July 27, 2024, from 1:00 to 3:30pm for a Celebration of Life in the Evjue Commons at Olbrich Memorial Gardens (3330 Atwood Avenue, Madison, WI). 

Instead of flowers or donations, Bill would want you to go out to eat and support a local restaurant. Order an appetizer or dessert with your meal. Give a compliment to the chef. Tip your server well.