William "Bill" James Christensen

William "Bill" James Christensen, 77, of Sturgeon Bay, passed away peacefully early Monday morning, February 3, 2025 at Waterfall Health of Algoma where he resided since 2023.

Bill was born December 5, 1947 in Sturgeon Bay, the son of Maurice Christensen and Esther Edna (Wilke) Christensen. He grew up attending Wilson School and then Hainesville School, both in the Town of Nasewaupee. Bill also attended St. Peter's Ev. Lutheran Church in Sturgeon Bay where he was confirmed. He graduated from Southern Door High School with the class of 1966.

After high school, Bill became a merchant marine and sailed on the Great Lakes for over 40 years with Oglebay Norton finishing his watch as a wheelman at the end of his sailing career in 2009.

He met Kathleen Elizabeth Beno in Sturgeon Bay where they shared a life and daughter together. Kathleen passed in 2012.

Bill loved cars. One of his favorites was the '68 GTO. He would always keep his eye out for his next one. If there was ever a "perfect" customer for a car salesperson, Bill was it. He liked watching old Westerns and listening to oldies music, including Sam Cooke and Del Shannon-on repeat! Bill had an appreciation for history, wartime books, and playing solitaire on his computer. Of all his roles in life, "Papa Bill" was his favorite. Bill loved his family. Being a grandfather brought him so much joy.

Bill will be missed by his family: daughters, Stephanie Beno of Tulsa, OK and Holly (José) Neri of the Town of Nasewaupee; grandsons, Brennan Kruswick and Mateo Neri; brother, James "Jim" (Diane) Christenson of Sturgeon Bay; siblings-in-law, Lana Sporisky of Pulaski and Darreld Krauel of Carlsville; two aunts, Donna DeLair of Sturgeon Bay and Linda (Dennis McCarthy) Long of the Town of Sturgeon Bay; nieces and nephews; cousins; and other relatives.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Lawrence Wilke and Ronald (Geraldine) Wilke; partner, Kathy Beno; sisters-in-law, Mary Ann (John) Logerquist, Darlene Krauel; and other relatives.

Bill's life will be honored with a memorial service held at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 9, 2025 at Huehns Funeral Home in Sturgeon Bay with Chaplain John Hauser officiating.

Visitation for family and friends will be held at the funeral home on Sunday from 12:00 noon until the time of service.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be to help support his grandchildren's (future) college education (c/o Holly Neri).

"Uncle Jim, thank you for the loving and devoted care you gave to Dad over the years, helping him with grocery shopping and other daily necessities. A heartfelt thanks also goes out to the staff of Waterfall Health and Compassus Hospice for the wonderful and compassionate care you provided."

"Fair winds and following seas."

Expressions of sympathy, memories, and photos of William may be shared with his family through his tribute page at www.HuehnsFuneralHome.com.

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