William J. "Bill" Shane, age 87, of West Bend, passed away on Monday, October 28, 2013, at Cedar Community.
He was born on July 16, 1926 in Mechanicstown, OH to the late Harry and Frances (nee Kean) Shane, and was united in marriage to Mary Ann Osen on March 22, 1947, in De Pere, WI.
Bill attended Ohio State University until enlisting in the U.S. Navy during WW II. After completing his Navy service, Bill returned to Ohio State and graduated in 1948 with a B.S. degree in Industrial Engineering. After graduation the family moved to West Bend and Bill became employed with the West Bend Company. He worked in several engineering and manufacturing management positions until retiring in 1987. After retirement he served as a volunteer consultant under the International Executive Service Corps (a private international economic development not-for-profit organization) and assisted four cookware manufacturing companies on four different continents.
Bill was a member of the Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church, the West Bend Noon Rotary Club and a past board member of Citizen Advocates. At church he served in various capacities, such as a Sunday School Teacher, a Lay Minister, Church Camp Counselor and Council Member. In Rotary he served in a variety of positions, but is best known for his years of dedication heading up the Youth Exchange Program. Bill was also named Rotary's Paul Harris Fellow. Bill loved to work with his hands and volunteered his framing talents to the Museum of Wisconsin Art and to family and friends. Always community-minded, he was also a Meal-on-Wheels driver and blood donor. Bill enjoyed golfing and when the opportunity presented itself to garden and fish.
He is survived by his wife, Mary Ann; three sons, Don (Jan) Shane of West Bend, Richard (Bonnie) Shane of Greenfield, and James Shane of Las Vegas, NV; four grandchildren, Paul (Kathleen) Shane, Kerry (Ryan) Hughes, Tom (Anita) Shane and Colin Shane; six great grandchildren, Oliver and Mack Shane, Archie, Theodore and Eloise Hughes, and Karina Shane; one brother, James (Jean) Shane of Bay Village, OH; a sister-in-law, Helen Osen of De Pere; special friend and adopted grandchild, Carol and Molly Kellog; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.
Bill was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Thomas and sister-in-law Charlotte Shane; sister-in-law Helen and brother-in-law Ray Church; and brother-in-law Roy Osen.
A memorial service in remembrance of Bill will be held on Saturday, Nov. 9 at 11:00 a.m. at Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church. Rev. Wesley Falk will officiate. Visitation will be at the church on Nov. 9, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service. Interment will be in Washington County Memorial Park.
Memorials to Fifth Avenue United Methodist Church, West Bend Noon Rotary Club or Cedar Community Friendship House are appreciated by the family.
Myrhum ~ Patten Funeral & Cremation Service is assisting the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.myrhum-patten.com