William Smedlund

William Smedlund (Bill) - After several years of treatment for Myelodysplastic Syndrome (MDS), Bill Smedlund was welcomed into his heavenly home on July 30, 2025. Born Sept. 1, 1939, in Appleton, Bill was the second son of Matha (Eskildsen) and Gustave Smedlund. After graduating from Appleton High School, he enrolled at Michigan Tech University in Houghton, Mich., graduating with a degree in electrical engineering. After graduating, Bill joined the Air Force as 1st Lieutenant, serving from 1962 to 1965, with two years in Japan. Through his life on this earth, Bill enjoyed ham radio electronics, wood working, jigsaw puzzles, historical novels and studying his bible daily. Bill’s electrical engineering skills were first put to use at Kimberly Clark’s Mill in Kimberly and KC’s Corporate KimTech Engineering facility in Neenah. While traveling was extensive during this time, Bill succeeded in obtaining an MBA from UW-Oshkosh. After nine years, Bill again moved his talents to work for American Can which merged with Fort James, etc. until he ultimately emerged as an employee of Georgia Pacific. At the age of 39, Bill was united in marriage with Betty (Oelschlager) Parsons. Bill and Betty enjoyed each other for nearly 47 years. Their log cabin on Swamsauger Lake in the Minocqua area filled their lives with new, dear friends and adventures for 40 of those years. Bill is survived by his wife and two stepsons: Clay (Jean) Parsons and Eric (Janet) Parsons. Also surviving are nieces: Cindy (Dave) Silvers, Donna (Tim) Corrigan, Ginger (Mike) Berg, Lori (Gordon Milligan) Mercier, Jolene (Jim) Loftin, and Jean (Ted) Pasieniuk; Nephews: Jeff (Debi) Smedlund, Jay (Maureen) Smedlund, and Jon Smedlund, as well as many friends who loved this quiet, intelligent man. Bill was preceded in death by his parents, brother: James Smedlund and his wife: Carol; sisters: Lucille Mercier and her husband: James, Janet Osburn and her husband: Tony; Ruth Smedlund as well as Bill’s in-laws: Leoma and Hans Oelschlager. A special thank you is given to Susan Hansel for her professional and Christian support during Bill’s decline at Rennes Health and Rehab Center. Also, Tammy and Nicole of AseraCare Hospice were a true blessing. No funeral service is planned.

WICHMANN FUNERAL HOME, 537 N. Superior St., Appleton,  920-739-1231, online condolences wichmannfuneralhomes.com