William E. "Bill" Brownlea's Obituary
William E. "Bill" Brownlea passed away peacefully at Wisconsin Veterans Home at King on February 27, 2009. He was born in New London, WI, on May 25, 1924 at Earl Brownlea and Orrel Stanton Brownlea. He grew up in Oshkosh and at age of 16 joined the U.S. Army and served on active duty until the end of World War II. During his service he achieved the rank of Mess Sergeant at the Alameda Bay Army Hospital in California, where he supervised a large kitchen staff providing food service to as many as 1200 returning wounded soldiers. In 1941, William married Kathleen Hutchins from Neenah, WI with whom he had six children. After the war they returned to Wisconsin, where he worked at the Wisconsin Axle Company until 1953 when he left to manage Parkes Cafe, owned by his mother, Orrel Brownlea. He remained there until the restaurant was sold to the University in 1966. The site is now occupied by the College of Nursing. He then worked as Building Services Manager for Wisconsin Telephone Company until his retirement. Throughout his life he was an avid fisherman and garderner. During his retirement years he was to devote much time to these passions. In 1974 Bill married Luella Warren of Ripon who survives him. He is also survived by his sons: William, Jr., of Oshkosh, Steven (Vera) of Volcano, HI and Daniel (Eileen) of Oshkosh and by his daughters: Mary (Gary) Sanders, Janet (John) Miller and Candance Dahlk all of Oshkosh; his step-children: Keith (Kate) Warren, Spencer (Valli) Warren and Tamara (Terry) Liptow. He had 10 grandchildren, five step-grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and six step-great-grandchildren. His was preceded in death by his brothers: Leonard and Stuart; step-son: Larry Warren; step-daughter: Brenda Liptow and his grandson: Shawn Sanders. Bill's life will be celebrated in a private family gathering.
Fiss & Bills-Poklasny Funeral Home 870 W. South Park 920-235-1170
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